Results of the investigation of the reactions of GaCl₃, InCl₃ and InI₃ with LiNH₂ under solvothermal conditions in benzene, which lead to metal nitrides, are reported. GaN is obtained as a cubic phase or as a mixture of cubic and hexagonal phases, depending on temperature. The effect of the addition of surfactants on the formation of GaN was explored. InN products were always contaminated with indium metal, even at low reaction temperatures. The addition of excess LiNH₂ or the use of InI₃ instead of InCl₃ gave products with less In metal