Precursors useful for vapor phase deposition processes, e.g., CVD/ALD, to form metal-containing films on substrates. The precursors include, in one class, a central metal atom M to which is coordinated at least one ligand of formula (I): wherein: R1, R2 and R3 are each independently H or ogano moieties; and G1 is an electron donor arm substituent that increases the coordination of the ligand to the central metal atom M; wherein when G1 is aminoalkyl, the substituents on the amino nitrogen are not alkyl, fluoroalkyl, cycloaliphatic, or aryl, and are not connected to form a ring structure containing carbon, oxygen or nitrogen atoms. Also disclosed are ketoester, malonate and other precursors adapted for forming metal-containing films on substrates, suitable for use in the manufacture of microelectronic device products such as semiconductor devices and flat panel displays.