The adsorption and pyrolysis of tetrakis-(dimethylamido)-titanium (TDMAT), Ti[NMe2]4, on several metal substrates, were studied using x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Auger electron spectroscopy, infrared reflection absorption spectroscopy and thermal desorption mass spectrometry. TDMAT was found to decompose readily above —480 K on metallic substrates, producing TiCxN7 films exhibiting a carbonrich interface. However, in the presence of NH3, well below the threshold of gas-phase reactions (<10-4 Torr), the growth of low-carboncontent (≤8 at. %) titanium nitride films proceeds readily, via surface mediated reaction(s) of TDMAT and NH3 between 550 and 750 K. The effects of surface temperature and reagent pressures are reported and discussed. © 1995, American Vacuum Society. All rights reserved.