Abstract: A method for reducing polymer deposition on vertical surfaces of metal lines etched from a metallization layer disposed above a substrate. The method includes forming a hard mask layer above the metallization layer and providing a photoresist mask above the hard mask layer. The method further includes employing the photoresist mask to form a hard mask from the hard mask layer. The hard mask has patterns therein configured to form the metal lines in a subsequent plasma-enhanced metallization etch. There is also included removing the photoresist mask. Additionally, there is included performing the plasma-enhanced metallization etch employing the hard mask and an etchant source gas that includes Cl2 and at least one passivation-forming chemical, wherein the plasma-enhanced metallization etch is performed without employing photoresist to reduce the polymer deposition during the plasma-enhanced metallization etch.