Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for forming a layer of palladium on a substrate, comprising:preparing a solution of a palladium precursor, wherein the palladium precursor consists ofPd(OOCR.sup.1).sub.m (OOCR.sup.2).sub.nwhereinR.sup.1 is hydrogen, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, --R.sup.3 COOH, alkyl from 1 to 5 carbons substituted with one or two hydroxyl groups,R.sup.2 is hydrogen, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, --R.sup.3 COOH, alkyl from 1 to 5 carbon atoms substituted with one or two hydroxyl groups, --CHO,R.sup.3 is alkyl, and alkyl groups from 1 to 5 carbon atoms substituted with one or two hydroxyl groupsm and n are real numbers or fractions, and m+n=2;applying the palladium precursor to the surface of the substrate;decomposing the palladium precursor by subjecting the precursor to heat.

Abstract: A process for forming a layer of gold on a substrate, comprising: preparing a solution of a gold precursor wherein the gold precursor consists ofAu(OH).sub.p (OOCR.sup.1).sub.q (OOCR.sup.2).sub.rwherein R.sup.1 is selected from the group of hydrogen, alkyl, alkenyl, and alkynyl, and R.sup.2 is selected from the group of hydrogen, alkyl from 2 to 10 carbon atoms, alkenyl, or alkynyl, and p+q+r=3. Applying the solution of the gold precursor to the surface of the substrate. Decomposing the gold precursor by subjecting the gold precursor to heat.