Molecular Sn(ii) precursors for room temperature deposition of crystalline elemental tin

We report mild routes for the deposition of crystalline films of elemental tin via the formation and subsequent decomposition of unstable tin(ii) hydrides. Specifically, we take advantage of efficient (OBu)-Bu-t/H metathesis involving Sn(ii) alkoxide precursors and the hydride source pinacolborane (HBpin); related -N(SiMe3)(2)/H exchange also afforded elemental tin as a final (insoluble) product.

Automated summary

We present mild deposition methods for producing crystalline films of elemental tin, achieved through the formation and decomposition of unstable tin(ii) hydrides. By utilizing efficient (OBu)-Bu-t/H metathesis with Sn(ii) alkoxide precursors and pinacolborane (HBpin) as the hydride source, as well as -N(SiMe3)(2)/H exchange, elemental tin was successfully obtained as an insoluble product.