Abstract: Disclosed is a process for producing wurtzitic or cubic boron nitride comprising the steps of:[A] preparing an intimate mixture of powdered boron oxide, a powdered metal selected from the group consisting of magnesium or aluminum, and a powdered metal azide;[B] igniting the mixture and bringing it to a temperature at which self-sustaining combustion occurs;[C] shocking the mixture at the end of the combustion thereof with a high pressure wave, thereby forming as a reaction product, wurtzitic or cubic boron nitride and occluded metal oxide; and, optionally[D] removing the occluded metal oxide from the reaction product.Also disclosed are reaction products made by the process described.