This invention relates to organometallic precursor compounds represented by the formula (H).sub.mM(R).sub.n wherein M is a metal or metalloid, R is the same or different and is a substituted or unsubstituted, saturated or unsaturated, heterocyclic radical containing at least one nitrogen atom, m is from 0 to a value less than the oxidation state of M, n is from 1 to a value equal to the oxidation state of M, and m+n is a value equal to the oxidation state of M, a process for producing the organometallic precursor compounds, and a method for producing a film or coating from the organometallic precursor compounds.