Single-phase Cr-2(C,N) powders, which are mainly composed of large worm-like particles with the diameter of 1-3 lm, have been successfully synthesized by carbothermal reduction nitridation (CRN) method at 1200 degrees C for 1 h in N-2 atmosphere for the first time. The phase evolution and morphology were investigated using XRD, TG-DSC, SEM, and TEM techniques. The reactions during the synthesis process were proposed and analyzed. The surface of Cr-2(C,N) determined by XPS is mainly composed of four elements, Cr, N, C, and O. Furthermore, the attempts to consolidate Cr-2(C,N) powders were carried out using spark plasma sintering (SPS), and the fully densified bulk ceramics were obtained at 1200 degrees C. The effect of sintering temperature on phase composition and mechanical properties were also discussed.