The reaction of AlH(3).NMe(3) with RCN proceeds with the evolution of trimethylamine and affords (HAINCH(2)R)(6) (R = Ph (1), p-MeC(6)H(4) (2), p-CF(3)C(6)H(4) (3)). Compounds 1 and 3 are characterized by single-crystal structural analysis. Compound 1 reacts with Me(3)SiBr as well as with PhC[triple bond]CH to give (XAINCH(2)Ph)(6) (X = Br (4), PhC[triple bond]C (5)). Structural data and other characterization data of compounds 4 and 5 show that all the hydridic hydrogen atoms in 1 have been replaced by bromine atoms and PhC[triple bond]C groups, respectively. Compounds 1-5 are potential precursors for the preparation of aluminum nitride. Crystals of 1 are rhombohedral, space group R3 macro, with a = 15.7457(13) A, b = 15.7457(13) A, c = 14.949(2) A, V = 3209.8(5) A(3), and Z = 3. Crystals of 3.(3)/(4)C(7)H(8) are triclinic, space group P1 macro, with a = 17.527(11) A, b = 18.894(12) A, c = 19.246(15) A, alpha = 96.11(7) degrees, beta = 102.23(4) degrees, gamma = 106.79(3) degrees, V = 5867(7) A(3), and Z = 4. Compound 4 crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2(1)/c, with a = 14.175(4) A, b = 16.678(5) A, c = 10.731(3) A, beta = 106.82(2) degrees, V = 2428.6(11) A(3), and Z = 2. Compound 5. C(7)H(8) crystallizes in the monoclinic space group C2/c, with a = 25.842(5) A, b = 15.443(3) A, c = 20.699(4) A, beta = 105.88(3) degrees, V = 7945(3) A(3), and Z = 4.