Synthesis of a new boron carbonitride with a B4C-like structure from the thermolysis of N-alkylated borazines.

Thermolysis of N-trialkyl borazines at 500 degrees C produces homogeneous, amorphous boron carbonitride phases, whose compositions are dependent upon the borazine substituent, and whose structures are similar to that of icosahedral boron carbide, B4C.