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 O t Bu/H metathesis involving Sn(II) alkoxide precursors and the hydride source pinacolborane (HBpin); related -N(SiMe 3 ) 2 /H exchange also afforded elemental tin as a final (insoluble) product.