Abstract: A method is provided for producing a selected metal nitride utilizing a salt bath. The selected metal is introduced into the salt bath in the presence of gaseous nitrogen and at least a certain amount of a halide of the selected metal. The salt bath is maintained at a temperature above its melting point for time sufficient to form a precipitate of the desired amount of a nitride of the selected metal. In accordance with a preferred embodment, the pressure is thereafter reduced to less than atmospheric and the temperature increased above the boiling point of the salt for a time sufficient to volatilize the molten salt which is removed to leave a precipitate of the selected metal nitride. The method is particularly applicable to the production of the mononitrides of uranium, plutonium, thorium, and mixtures thereof.