A method for the preparation of an organometallic lead precursor, comprising flowing a gas phase electron donor into a bubbler containing bis (2,2',6,6'-tetramethyl-3,5-heptanedione)Pb at a predetermined temperature, to synthesize, in-situ, an adduct represented by the following formula II:
- L.sub.x .multidot.Pb(THD).sub.2
- wherein
- L is an electron donor ligand selected from the group consisting of NR.sub.3, wherein R is hydrogen or methyl, and Cl.sub.2 ;
- THD denotes 2,2',6,6'-tetramethyl-3,5-heptanedione;
- and
- x is in the range of 0.5 to 2;
- said gas phase electron donor serving as a carrier gas and being selected from the group consisting of NR.sub.3, wherein R is hydrogen or methyl, and Cl.sub.2.