Expanding the Scope of Mo(III) Precursor Molecules for Vapor Phase Growth of Mo-Based Materials: Mo(III) Guanidinate

The synthesis and characterization of tris(N,N'-di-isopropyl-2-dimethylamido-guanidinate)molybdenum(III), Mo(iPr-GND)₃ is reported. This complex expands the known scope of tris(guanidinate)M(III) complexes to include Mo, and adds to the very limited knowledge of homoleptic mononuclear Mo(III) coordination complexes. Volatility of Mo(iPr-GND)₃ is demonstrated via thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), hinting at potential applications as a molecular precursor for chemical vapor deposition (CVD) and atomic layer deposition (ALD). Proof of concept aerosol-assisted CVD growth with Mo(iPr-GND)₃ as a single-source precursor yielded MoC_xN_y films. The results indicate a potential utility for Mo(iPr-GND)₃ as a volatile precursor for ALD and CVD, with prospective use as a single-source precursor for growth of molybdenum nitrides and carbonitrides.