New single source route to the molybdenum nitride Mo(2)N.

Dispersed Mo(2)N with lamellar morphology and high specific surface area was obtained from the decomposition of the (HMT)(2)(NH(4))(4)Mo(7)O(24) salt (HMT = hexamethylentertramine) in the temperature range 550-800 degrees C. During the thermal decomposition, reduction of Mo species by carbon from the HMT ligand occurs, with release of CO gas.