Synthesis of a Homoleptic Niobium(V) Thiolate Complex and the Preparation of Niobium Sulfide via Thio “Sol−Gel” and Vapor Phase Thin-Film Experiments

Reaction of [Nb(NMe2)5] with 10 equiv of 2,6-Me2C6H3SH in toluene results in the formation of red crystals of
[Nb(SC6H3Me2-2,6)5]. Crystal structure analysis of [Nb(SC6H3Me2-2,6)5] showed that the niobium center adopts a
distorted trigonal bipyramidal geometry. Niobium disulfide, NbS2, has been successfully prepared via a thio “sol−gel” process using [Nb(SC6H3Me2-2,6)5] as the metal source. In contrast, vapor phase thin-film studies revealed
that [Nb(SC6H3Me2-2,6)5] functions as a single-source precursor to NbS films.