Formation of SnO2 by pyrolysis of a polymer network containing organotin groups

Pyrolytic conversion of poly(4‐((trimethylstannyl)methyl)styrene) ( 1 ) film to SnO₂ was studied. The pyrolysis at 500°C of the polymer film which was crosslinked by 248 nm light or electron beam irradiation afforded a SnO₂ film. The crosslinking network formation is necessary for the conversion of 1 into SnO₂ through the encapsulation of the low molecular weight intermediates to prevent their escape from the polymer film.