Heteroallene Insertions into Tin(II) Alkoxide Bonds.

A series of iso-carbamate complexes have been synthesized by the reaction of [SnII(OiPr)2] or [SnII(OtBu)2] with either aryl or alkyl isocyanates, ONC-R (R = 2,4,6-trimethylphenyl (Mes), 2,6-diisopropylphenyl (Dipp), isopropyl (iPr), cyclohexyl (Cy) and tert-butyl (tBu)). In the case of aryl isocyanates, mono-insertion occurs to form structurally characterized complexes [Sn{κ2-N,O-R-NC(OiPr)O}(µ-OiPr)]2 (1: R = Mes, 2: R = Dipp) and [Sn{κ2-N,O-R-NC(OtBu)O}(µ-OtBu)]2 (3: R = Mes, 4: R = Dipp). The complicated solution-state chemistry of these species has been explored using 1H DOSY experiments. In contrast, reactions of tin(II) alkoxides with alkyl isocyanates result in the formation of bis-insertion products [Sn{κ2-N,O-R-NC(OiPr)O}2] (5: R = iPr, and 6: R = Cy) and [Sn{κ2-N,O-R-NC(OtBu)O}2] (7: R = iPr, 8: R = Cy), of which complexes 6-8 have also been structurally characterized. 1H NMR studies show that the reaction of tBu-NCO with either [Sn(OiPr)2] or [Sn(OtBu)2] results in a reversible mono-insertion. Variable-temperature 2D 1H-1H exchange spectroscopy (VT-2D-EXSY) was used to determine the rate of exchange between free tBu-NCO and the coordinated tBu-iso-carbamate ligand for the {OiPr} alkoxide complex, as well as the activation energy (Ea = 92.2 ± 0.8 kJ mol-1), enthalpy (ΔH‡ = 89.4 ± 0.8 kJ mol-1), and entropy (ΔS‡ = 12.6 ± 2.9 J mol-1 K-1) for the process [Sn(OiPr)2] + tBu-NCO ↔ [Sn{κ2-N,O-tBu-NC(OiPr)O}(OiPr)]. Attempts to form Sn(II) alkyl carbonates by the insertion of CO2 into either [Sn(OiPr)2] or [Sn(OtBu)2] proved unsuccessful. However, 119Sn{1H} NMR spectroscopy of the reaction of excess CO2 with [Sn(OiPr)2] reveals the presence of a new Sn(II) species, i.e., [(iPrO)Sn(O2COiPr)], VT-2D-EXSY (1H) of which confirms the reversible alkyl carbonate formation (Ea = 70.3 ± 13.0 kJ mol-1; ΔH‡ = 68.0 ± 1.3 kJ mol-1 and ΔS‡ = -8.07 ± 2.8 J mol-1 K-1).

Tin(II) Ureide Complexes: Synthesis, Structural Chemistry, and Evaluation as SnO Precursors.

In an attempt to tailor precursors for application in the deposition of phase pure SnO, we have evaluated a series of tin (1-6) ureide complexes. The complexes were successfully synthesized by employing N,N'-trialkyl-functionalized ureide ligands, in which features such as stability, volatility, and decomposition could be modified with variation of the substituents on the ureide ligand in an attempt to find the complex with the ideal electronic, steric, or coordinative properties, which determine the fate of the final products. The tin(II) ureide complexes 1-6 were synthesized by direct reaction [Sn{NMe2}2] with aryl and alkyl isocyanates in a 1:2 molar ratio. All the complexes were characterized by NMR spectroscopy as well as elemental analysis and, where applicable, thermogravimetric (TG) analysis. The single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies of 2, 3, 4, and 6 revealed that the complexes crystallize in the monoclinic space group P2(1)/n (2 and 4) or in the triclinic space group P-1 (3 and 6) as monomers. Reaction with phenyl isocyanate results in the formation of the bimetallic species 5, which crystallizes in the triclinic space group P-1, a consequence of incomplete insertion into the Sn-NMe2 bonds, versus mesityl isocyanate, which produces a monomeric double insertion product, 6, under the same conditions, indicating a difference in reactivity between phenyl isocyanate and mesityl isocyanate with respect to insertion into Sn-NMe2 bonds. The metal centers in these complexes are all four-coordinate, displaying either distorted trigonal bipyramidal or trigonal bipyramidal geometries. The steric influence of the imido-ligand substituent has a clear effect on the coordination mode of the ureide ligands, with complexes 2 and 6, which contain the cyclohexyl and mesityl ligands, displaying κ2-O,N coordination modes, whereas κ2-N,N' coordination modes are observed for the sterically bulkier tert-butyl and adamantyl derivatives, 3 and 4. The thermogravimetric analysis of the complexes 3 and 4 exhibited excellent physicochemical properties with clean single-step curves and low residual masses in their TG analyses suggesting their potential utility of these systems as MOCVD and ALD precursors.

Impact of the Alkyne Substitution Pattern and Metalation on the Photoisomerization of Azobenzene-Based Platinum(II) Diynes and Polyynes.

Trimethylsilyl-protected dialkynes incorporating azobenzene linker groups, Me3SiC≡CRC≡CSiMe3 (R = azobenzene-3,3'-diyl, azobenzene-4,4'-diyl, 2,5-dioctylazobenzene-4,4'-diyl), and the corresponding terminal dialkynes, HC≡CRC≡CH, have been synthesized and characterized. The CuI-catalyzed dehydrohalogenation reaction between trans-[Ph(Et3P)2PtCl] and the deprotected dialkynes in a 2:1 ratio in iPr2NH/CH2Cl2 gives the platinum(II) diynes trans-[Ph(Et3P)2PtC≡CRC≡CPt(PEt3)2Ph], while the dehydrohalogenation polycondensation reaction between trans-[(nBu3P)2PtCl2] and the dialkynes in a 1:1 molar ratio under similar reaction conditions affords the platinum(II) polyynes, [-Pt(PnBu3)2-C≡CRC≡C-]n. The materials have been characterized spectroscopically, with the diynes also studied using single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The platinum(II) diynes and polyynes are all soluble in common organic solvents. Optical-absorption measurements show that the compounds incorporating the para-alkynylazobenzene spacers have a higher degree of electronic delocalisation than their meta-alkynylazobenzene counterparts. Reversible photoisomerization in solution was observed spectroscopically for the alkynyl-functionalized azobenzene ligands and, to a lesser extent, for the platinum(II) complexes. Complementary quantum-chemical modeling was also used to analyze the optical properties and isomerization energetics.

Experimental and Theoretical Investigation for the Level of Conjugation in Carbazole-Based Precursors and Their Mono-, Di-, and Polynuclear Pt(II) Complexes.

A series of trimethylsilyl-protected monoalkynes (Me3SiC≡C-R) and bis-alkynes (Me3 SiC≡C-R-C≡CSiMe3) incorporating carbazole spacer groups (R = carbazole-2-yl, carbazole-3-yl, carbazole-2,7-diyl, N-(2-ethylhexyl)carbazole-2,7-diyl, carbazole-3,6-diyl, N-(2-ethylhexyl)carbazole-3,6-diyl), together with the corresponding terminal monoalkynes (H-C≡C-R) and bis-alkynes (H-C≡C-R-C≡C-H), have been synthesized and characterized. The CuI-catalyzed dehydrohalogenation reaction between trans-[(Ph)(Et3P)2PtCl], trans-[(Et3P)2PtCl2], and trans-[(P(n)Bu3)2PtCl2] and the terminal alkynes in (i)Pr2NH/CH2Cl2 affords a series of Pt(II) mono- and diynes, while the dehydrohalogenation polycondensation reactions with trans-[(P(n)Bu3)2PtCl2] under similar reaction conditions yields four Pt(II) poly-ynes of the form trans-[(P(n)Bu3)2Pt-C≡C-R-C≡C-]n. The acetylide-functionalized carbazole ligands and the mono-, di-, and polynuclear Pt(II) σ-acetylide complexes have been characterized spectroscopically, with a subset analyzed using single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The Pt(II) mono-, di-, and poly-ynes incorporating the carbazole spacers are soluble in common organic solvents, and solution absorption spectra show a consistent red-shift between the 2- and 2,7- as well as 3- and 3,6-carbazole complexes. Computational modeling is used to explain the observed spectral shifts, which are related to the enhanced electronic delocalization in the latter systems. These results also indicate that the inclusion of carbazole-2,7-diyl units into rigid-rod organometallic polymers should enhance electronic transport along the chains.

Tuning a single ligand system to stabilize multiple spin states of manganese: a first example of a hydrazone-based manganese(III) spin-crossover complex.

A series of bis-chelate pseudo-octahedral mononuclear coordination complexes of manganese with the chromophore [MnN4 O2 ](n+) (n=0, 1) have been generated in all three principal oxidation states of this transition-metal center under ambient conditions by utilizing a readily tunable, versatile phenolic pyridylhydrazone ligand system (i.e., H2 (3,5-R(1) ,R(2) )-L; L=ligand). Strategic combinations of the nature and position of a variety of substituent groups afforded selective, spontaneous stabilization of multiple spin states of the manganese center, which, upon close crystallographic scrutiny, appears to be in part due to the occurrence or absence of hydrogen-bonding interactions that involve the phenolate/phenolic oxygen atom. The divalent complexes are isolable in two forms, namely, molecular [Mn(II) {H(3,5-R(1) ,R(2) )-L}2 ] and ionic [Mn(II) {H2 (3,5-R(1) ,R(2) )-L}{H(3,5-R(1) ,R(2) )-L}]ClO4 , with the latter complex converting easily into the former complex on deprotonation. Accessibility of the higher-valent states is achievable only when the phenolate oxygen atom is sterically hindered from participation in hydrogen bonding. The [Mn(III) {H(3,5-tBu2 )-L}2 ]ClO4 complex is the first example of a hydrazone-based Mn(III) complex to exhibit spin crossover. Formation of the tetravalent complexes [Mn(IV) {(3,5-R(1) ,R(2) )-L}2 ] (R(1) =tBu, R(2) =H; R(1) =R(2) =tBu) necessitates base-assisted abstraction of the hydrazinic proton.

Solution-processed mesoscopic Bi2S3:polymer photoactive layers.

The fabrication of solution-processed nontoxic mesoporous Bi2S3 structures is demonstrated and the suitability of these structures for use in hybrid solar cells investigated. Mesoporous Bi2S3 electrodes are prepared via thermal decomposition of a thin film composed of a bismuth xanthate single source precursor. The resultant Bi2S3 films are made up of regular needles with approximate dimensions of 50×500 nm, as confirmed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The crystallinity of the Bi2S3 is found to be dependent on the annealing temperature, as determined by X-ray diffraction. The porous Bi2S3 films are infiltrated with the hole conductor P3HT to generate novel hybrid films, and laser-based transient absorption spectroscopy is used to interrogate the charge-separation reaction at the resulting Bi2S3/P3HT heterojunction. Specifically, optical excitation of the hybrid films results in efficient and long-lived charge separation (microsecond to millisecond timescale), thereby rendering such films suitable for the development of novel low-cost solar-energy conversion devices.

Synthesis and structural studies of diorganotin(IV)-based coordination polymers bearing silaalkylphosphonate ligands and their transformation into colloidal domains.

The contribution of silaalkylphosphonic acids Me3SiCH2P(O)(OH)2 (1) and Me3SiC(CH3)2P(O)(OH)2 (2) as ligands was demonstrated for the first time by the isolation of new diorganotin(IV) phosphonates Et2Sn{OP(O)(OH)CH2SiMe3}(OSO2Me) (3), (Et2Sn)6{O3PC(CH3)2SiMe3}4(OSO2Me)4 (4), and Et2Sn(O3PCH2SiMe3) (5). X-ray crystallographic studies of 1-4 are presented. The structures of 1 and 2 adopt extended motifs by virtue of P-OH···O═P-type hydrogen bonding interactions. The molecular structure of 3 is composed of a dimer formed by bridging hydrogen phosphonate groups, while the sulfonate group appended on each tin atom acts in a µ2-bridging mode to afford the formation of one-dimensional coordination polymer featuring alternate eight-membered [-Sn-O-P-O-]2 and [-Sn-O-S-O-]2 rings. The asymmetric unit of 4 is composed of two crystallographically unique trinuclear tin phosphonate clusters with a Sn3(µ3-PO3)2 core linked together by coordinative association of a µ2-sulfonate group, while the remaining sulfonates are involved in the construction of a two-dimensional self-assembly. The identity of 1-5 in solution was established by IR and multinuclear ((1)H, (13)C, (31)P, (119)Sn) NMR spectroscopy. The presence of silaalkyl group in 5 imparts unusual solubility in hydrocarbon, aromatic, and ether solvents. As a consequence, the formation of colloidal particles of 5 featuring rodlike morphology was achieved by ultrasonication of a solution in ethanol-chloroform mixture.

Synthesis and materials chemistry of bismuth tris-(di-i-propylcarbamate): deposition of photoactive Bi2O3 thin films.

The bismuth carbamate Bi(O2CNPr(i)2)3, a tetramer in the solid-state, has been synthesized and used to deposit mixtures of bismuth oxides by aerosol-assisted chemical vapor deposition (AACVD). The nature of the deposited oxide is a function of both temperature and run-time. Initially, δ-Bi2O3 is deposited, over which grows a thick layer of ß-Bi2O3 nanowires, the latter having an increasing degree of preferred orientation at higher deposition temperatures. The photocatalytic activity of a thin film of δ-Bi2O3 for the degradation of methylene blue dye was found to be similar to that of a commercial TiO2 film on glass, while the film overcoated with ß-Bi2O3 nanowires was less active. Exposure of Bi(O2CNPr(i)2)3 to controlled amounts of moist air affords the novel oxo-cluster Bi8(O)6(O2CNPr(i)2)12, whose structure has also been determined.

Long-range intramolecular electronic communication in bis(ferrocenylethynyl) complexes incorporating conjugated heterocyclic spacers: synthesis, crystallography, and electrochemistry.

A new series of bis(ferrocenylethynyl) complexes, 3-7, and a mono(ferrocenylethynyl) complex, 8, have been synthesized incorporating conjugated heterocyclic spacer groups, with the ethynyl group facilitating an effective long-range intramolecular interaction. The complexes were characterized by NMR, IR, and UV-vis spectroscopy as well as X-ray crystallography. The redox properties of these complexes were investigated using cyclic voltammetry and spectroelectrochemistry. Although there is a large separation of ∼14 Å between the two redox centers, ΔE(1/2) values in this series of complexes ranged from 50 to 110 mV. The appearance of intervalance charge-transfer bands in the UV-vis-near-IR region for the monocationic complexes further confirmed effective intramolecular electronic communication. Computational studies are presented that show the degree of delocalization across the Fc-C≡C-C≡C-Fc (Fc = C5H5FeC5H4) highest occupied molecular orbital.

New multi-ferrocenyl- and multi-ferricenyl- materials via coordination-driven self-assembly and via charge-driven electro-crystallization.

Three new tetra-ferrocenylethynylpyridinyl copper complexes, L4(CuI)4 (3), L4(CuBr)2 (4), and L4(CuCl)2 (5) have been prepared from the reaction of ferrocenylethynylpyridine (L)(2) with copper halides CuX (with X = I(-), Br(-), Cl(-)).The ligand 2 and the complexes 3-5 have been fully characterized by spectroscopic methods. The structures of 2-4 have been confirmed by single-crystal X-ray crystallography. 2 forms a dimer in the crystalline-state through C-H··N hydrogen bonds. 4 and 5 are dimers and 3 a tetramer, in all cases linked through Cu-X··Cu bridging interactions. Cyclic voltammetry in dichloroethane showed chemically reversible multiferrocenyl oxidation signals with evidence for product electro-crystallization. The oxidation products were isolated by electrodeposition onto a Pt disc electrode and investigated by scanning electron microscopy which confirmed the spontaneous formation of crystalline oxidation products with distinctive morphologies. Energy dispersive X-ray elemental analysis shows the presence of hexafluorophosphate (counterion) with the P:Fe ratio of 1:1, 0.5:1, and 1:1 for the electrocrystallized products 3, 4, and 5, respectively, suggesting the formulas [3](4+)(PF6(-))4, [4](2+)(PF6(-))2, and [5](4+)(PF6(-))4 for the electro-crystallized products.

Tetra-methyl-ammonium aqua-trichlorido-oxalatostannate(IV) monohydrate.

The Sn(IV) atom in the title compound, [(CH(3))(4)N][Sn(C(2)O(4))Cl(3)(H(2)O)]·H(2)O, obtained from the reaction between SnCl(4) and [(CH(3))(4)N](2)C(2)O(4)·2H(2)O, is six-coordinated by three Cl atoms, an O atom of a water mol-ecule and two O atoms from an asymmetrically chelating oxalate anion. The environment around the Sn(IV) atom is distorted octa-hedral. The anions are connected by the lattice water mol-ecule through O-H⋯O hydrogen bonds, leading to a layered structure parallel to (010). The cations are located between these layers and besides Coulombic forces are connected to the anionic layers through weak C-H⋯O and C-H⋯Cl inter-actions.

Di-chlorido-diphenyl-bis-(thio-urea-κS)tin(IV).

The title compound, [Sn(C6H5)2Cl2(CH4N2S)2], has been obtained from the reaction between Sn(C6H5)2Cl2 and SC(NH2)2. The asymmetric unit consists of one half of the mol-ecular unit, the remainder generated by a twofold rotation axis located along the Cl-Sn-Cl bonds. The Sn(IV) atom is coordinated by two phenyl groups, two Cl atoms and two thio-urea ligands in an all trans octa-hedral C2Cl2S2 environment. Individual mol-ecules are connected through N-H⋯Cl hydrogen bonds, leading to a three-dimensional network structure. Intra-molecular N-H⋯Cl hydrogen bonds are also present.

Thermal decomposition of solution processable metal xanthates on mesoporous titanium dioxide films: a new route to quantum-dot sensitised heterojunctions.

We introduce a straightforward route to the fabrication of metal sulfide semiconductor (e.g. CdS, Sb(2)S(3), Bi(2)S(3)) sensitised TiO(2) films. Our approach is based upon the controllable thermal decomposition of a single-source metal xanthate precursor on a mesoporous metal oxide film. The growth of the metal sulfide deposit is confirmed by Raman and UV-Vis steady-state absorption measurements. Transient absorption spectroscopy measurements provide evidence for charge separation across the metal sulfide/TiO(2) interface. Moreover, a high yield of long-lived photogenerated charges is observed in a three-component TiO(2)/metal sulfide/spiro-OMeTAD film, thus demonstrating the potential of such multicomponent films for solar energy conversion devices.

Di-µ-hydroxido-bis-[dimeth-yl(thio-cyanato-κN)tin(IV)].

The Sn(IV) atom in the centrosymmetric title complex, [Sn2(CH3)4(NCS)2(OH)2], adopts a distorted trigonal-bipyramidal coordination environment defined by two methyl C atoms and one bridging hydroxide group in the equatorial plane while the other bridging hydroxide group and the N atom of the thio-cyanate anion are in the apical >positions. The dinuclear species are linked through O-H⋯S and C-H⋯ S hydrogen-bonding inter-actions into a three-dimensional network.

Dibenzyl-aza-nium (oxalato-κ(2)O,O')triphenyl-stannate(IV).

The title compound, (C(14)H(16)N)[Sn(C(6)H(5))(3)(C(2)O(2))], was synthesised by allowing C(2)O(4)(Bz(2)NH(2))(2) (Bz = benzyl) to react with SnPh(3)Cl. The asymmetric unit is built up by four SnPh(3)C(2)O(4) anions and four Bz(2)NH(2) cations which are related by a pseudo-inversion centre. Each Sn(IV) cation is five-coordinated by the three phenyl groups and two O atoms belonging to the chelating oxalate ligand; the coordination geometry is that of a distorted trigonal bipyramid. Anions and cations are linked through N-H⋯O hydrogen bonds into a layer structure parallel to (001). Moreover, the anion-cation pairs are associated by two bifurcated N-H⋯O hydrogen bonds, generating pseudo-dimers. One of the phenyl groups of one anion is disordered over two sets of sites in a 0.69:0.31 ratio. The Flack parameter value of 0.44 (1) indicates racemic twinning.

Dimethyl-ammonium dichloridotriphenyl-stannate(IV).

The title salt, [(CH(3))(2)NH(2)][Sn(C(6)H(5))(3)Cl(2)], was obtained as a by-product of the reaction between bis-(dimethyl-ammonium) oxalate and triphenyl-tin chloride. In the stannate anion, the trigonal-bipyramidal coordination environment of the Sn(IV) atom is defined by the phenyl groups in equatorial and the Cl atoms in axial positions. The cations are connected to adjacent anions through N-H⋯Cl and C-H⋯Cl hydrogen-bonding inter-actions, leading to a chain motif parallel to [100].

µ(2)-Oxalato-bis-[triphen-yl(thio-urea-κS)tin(IV)].

The asymmetric unit of the binuclear title compound, [Sn(2)(C(2)O(4))(C(6)H(5))(6)(CH(4)N(2)S)(2)], consists of one half of the organotin(IV) mol-ecule. The remainder is generated by a twofold rotation axis passing through the mid-point of the oxalate C-C bond. The Sn(IV) atom exhibits a distorted trigonal-bipyramidal coordination environment with the phenyl groups in equatorial positions and the thio-urea and the monodentately bridging oxalate anion in axial positions. The mol-ecules are linked through N-H⋯O hydrogen bonds involving the amino group of the thio-urea ligand and the uncoordinating oxalate O atoms, forming layers parallel to (001). Weak C-H⋯O inter-actions are also present.

Poly[tetra-butyl-tetra-kis-(µ(2)-hydrogen phenyl-phospho-nato)ditin(IV)].

In the title compound, [Sn(2)(C(4)H(9))(4)(C(6)H(6)PO(3))(4)](n), the basic unit is a dimer containing two symmetry-related Sn(IV) atoms bridged by two hydrogenphenylphosphonate anions. This fragment is located about an inversion center, and each Sn(IV) atom is linked to two other hydrogenphenylphosphonate anions, giving a layered structure parallel to (010). The coordination geometry for the Sn(IV) atoms is close to octa-hedral. The layers are connected via O-H⋯O hydrogen bonds, generating a three-dimensional network. One butyl group is disordered over two sets of sites, with occupancies of 0.49 (2) and 0.51 (2).

Diorganotin-based coordination polymers derived from sulfonate/phosphonate/phosphonocarboxylate ligands.

The reactions of diorganotin precursors [R(2)Sn(OR(1))(OSO(2)R(1))](n) [R = R(1) = Me (1); R = Me, R(1) = Et (2)] with an equimolar amount of t-butylphosphonic acid (RT, 8-10 h) in methanol result in the formation of identical products, of composition [(Me(2)Sn)(3)(O(3)PBu(t))(2)(O(2)P(OH)Bu(t))(2)](n) (3). On the other hand, a similar reaction of 2, when carried out in dichloromethane, affords [(Me(2)Sn)(3)(O(3)PBu(t))(2)(OSO(2)Et)(2)·MeOH](n) (4). A plausible mechanism implicating the role of solvent in the formation of these compounds has been put forward. In addition, the synthesis of [(Me(2)Sn)(3)(O(3)PCH(2)CH(2)COOMe)(2)(OSO(2)Me)(2)](n) (5) and [R(2)Sn(O(2)P(OH)CH(2)CH(2)COOMe)(OSO(2)R(1))](n) [R = Et, R(1) = Me (6); R = (n)Bu, R(1) = Et (7)] has been achieved by reacting 1 and related diorganotin(alkoxy)alkanesulfonates with 3-phosphonopropionic acid in methanol. The formation of a methylpropionate functionality on the phosphorus center in these structural frameworks results from in situ esterification of the carboxylic group. X-ray crystallographic studies of 1-7 are presented. The structures of 1 and 2 represent one-dimensional (1D) coordination polymers composed of alternate [Sn-O](2) and [Sn-O-S-O](2) cyclic rings formed by µ(2)-alkoxo and sulfonate ligands, respectively. For 3-5 and 7, variable bonding modes of phosphonate and/or sulfonate ligands afford the construction of two- and three-dimensional self-assemblies that are comprised of trinuclear tin entities with an Sn(3)P(2)O(6) core as well as [Sn-O-P-O](2) and/or [Sn-O-S-O](2) rings. The formation of a 1D coordination polymer in 6 is unique in terms of repeating eight-membered cyclic rings containing Sn, O, P, and S heteroatoms. The contribution from hydrogen-bonding interactions is also found to be significant in these structures.

Nanostructured hybrid polymer-inorganic solar cell active layers formed by controllable in situ growth of semiconducting sulfide networks.

Nanostructured composites of inorganic and organic materials are attracting extensive interest for electronic and optoelectronic device applications. In this paper, we introduce a general method for the fabrication of metal sulfide nanoparticle/polymer films employing a low-cost and low temperature route compatible with large-scale device manufacturing. Our approach is based upon the controlled in situ thermal decomposition of a solution processable metal xanthate precursor complex in a semiconducting polymer film. To demonstrate the versatility of our method, we fabricate a CdS/P3HT nanocomposite film and show that the metal sulfide network inside the polymer film assists in the absorption of visible light and enables the achievement of high yields of charge photogeneration at the CdS/P3HT heterojunction. Photovoltaic devices based upon such nanocomposite films show solar light to electrical energy conversion efficiencies of 0.7% under full AM1.5 illumination and 1.2% under 10% incident power, demonstrating the potential of such nanocomposite films for low-cost photovoltaic devices.