Method for reducing integrated circuit defects

Post chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) cleaning methods are disclosed which reduce integrated circuit defects. A corrosion inhibitor is preferably applied during the post-CMP cleaning steps after application of a first chemistry. Subsequent to the application of the corrosion inhibitor a rinsing step using deionized water is employed. In this manner, the corrosion inhibitor applied during the post-CMP clean fills voids created in previous passivation layers by previous chemistries. Also, existing post-CMP equipment may be used to implement the preferred embodiments of the present invention. Preferably the corrosion inhibitor applied during the post-CMP clean is benzotriazole (BTA).