Compositions are disclosed having the formula (3): [C′]k[Ta(O2)x(L′)y]  (3), wherein x is an integer of 1 to 4, y is an integer of 1 to 4, Ta(O2)x(L′)y has a charge of 0 to −3, C′ is a counterion having a charge of +1 to +3, k is an integer of 0 to 3, L′ is an oxidatively stable organic ligand having a charge of 0 to −4, and L′ comprises an electron donating functional group selected from the group consisting of carboxylates, alkoxides, amines, amine oxides, phosphines, phosphine oxides, arsine oxides, and combinations thereof. The compositions have utility as high resolution photoresists.