Synthesis and evaluation of Co-P and Co-As organometallics for chemical vapor deposition.

The compounds [Co(CO) sub 3 XEt sub 3] sub 2, X = P,As, have been evaluated as possible precursors for the deposition of the cobalt pnictides, CoX. Thermogravimetric analysis and X-ray diffraction reveal loss of the 1:1 Co:X stoichiometry of the starting material upon thermal decomposition. The decomposition products consist of mixed Co and Co sub 2 X phases.