Volatile and thermally stable mid to late transition metal complexes containing α-imino alkoxide ligands, a new strongly reducing coreagent, and thermal atomic layer deposition of Ni, Co, Fe, and Cr metal films.

Treatment of MCl2 (M = Cu, Ni, Co, Fe, Mn, Cr) with 2 equiv of α-imino alkoxide salts K(RR'COCNtBu) (R = Me, tBu; R' = iPr, tBu) afforded M(RR'COCNtBu)2 or [Mn(RR'COCNtBu)2]2 in 9-75% yields. These complexes combine volatility and high thermal stability and have useful atomic layer deposition (ALD) precursor properties. Solution reactions between Ni, Co, and Mn complexes showed that BH3(NHMe2) can reduce all to metal powders. ALD growth of Ni, Co, Fe, and Cr films is demonstrated. Mn film growth may be possible, but the films oxidize completely upon exposure to air.