We report the synthesis of a new ternary nitride LiWN2 by the reaction of Li2WO4 with NH3 at 745 degrees C. The compound crystallizes in a layered hexagonal structure with a = 2.863 and c = 15.608 Angstrom. LiWN2 is metallic, consistent with its structure with W(V) in trigonal prismatic coordination and Li1+ in octahedral coordination. (C) 1994 Academic Press, Inc.