The crystal structure of unadducted strontium bis-tetramethylheptanedionate: The standard precursor for the MOCVD of strontium-containing oxides

The molecular structure of unadducted [Sr(thd)(2)] is reported for the firs t time (see also cover). The molecule is shown to be trimeric with three si x-coordinate Sr atoms, linked by six bridging thd ligands. A modification o f the ligand exchange reaction that occurs during non-aqueous synthesis all ows the preparation of unadducted precursor. The absence of extrinsic adduc ting donors or solvent ligands in the complex leads to more reproducible ev aporation characteristics than in the commonly used adducted material.