The Knudsen effusion mass speclrometric method has been employed to measure the equilibrium partial pressures of tiie AliN molecule over the AlN-Au-graphite system. Theoretical computations were carried out to determine the structure, molecular parameters, and thermodynamic properties of AUN. The partial pressures have been combined with the calculated thermal functions to determine the atomizalion enLhalpy, A,,//^, and enthalpy of formation. A^/Ziysjsi in kJ mol"', of 783.2i 15 and 342.7± 15 for AI2N, respectively. Upper values for the dissociation energy of AIN, D[;(AlN.^)^368±15kJmor', and for the atomization enthalpy of Al.N^. ^"H"^^{A\2l<2'f^) l402kJmor' have been obtained. These results are discussed and compared with recent theoretical literature values.