By a facile solid-state reaction process using graphite-like phase Of C3N4 (g-C3N4) as a precursor with another one being corresponding elemental powders, we synthesized four technologically important nitrides and two carbides including cubic VN, CrN, hexagonal GaN, BN, WC and MoC at moderate temperatures. The products were characterized by field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and high-resolution TEM (HRTEM). The XRD results show that g-C3N4 is a highly efficient nitridizing and carbonizing reagent and the elemental powders are completely converted into the corresponding nitrides and carbides at lower temperatures than reported in the conventional methods. This novel route may provide new insights into the synthesis of other nitrides and carbides. (c) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.