Thin films of Mo(TCNE)(x) (TCNE = tetracyanoethylene, (NC)(2)C = C(CN)(2)) have been prepared by a gas-solid reaction on (001)-oriented silicon substrates using bis(toluene)molybdenum, MO(C6H5CH3)(2) and TCNE as precursors. The deposits are amorphous and exhibit deposition temperature-dependent morphology. At 80 degreesC, worm-like fibers are surprisingly observed. At 100 degreesC, roughly spherical grains are obtained whereas at 120 degreesC, large square-shaped plates are grown. Infrared and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy data show the presence of the radical moiety, TCNE-, within the films. Moreover, the deposited material behaves as a soft magnet at 2 K (coercive field similar to 20 G). (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.