An interconnect structure is provided in which the conductive features embedded within a dielectric material are capped with a metallic capping layer, yet no metallic residue is present on the surface of the dielectric material in the final structure. The inventive interconnect structure has improved dielectric breakdown strength as compared to prior art interconnect structures. Moreover, the inventive interconnect structure has better reliability and technology extendibility for the semiconductor industry. The inventive interconnect structure includes a dielectric material having at least one metallic capped conductive feature embedded therein, wherein a top portion of said at least one metallic capped conductive feature extends above an upper surface of the dielectric material. A dielectric capping layer is located on the dielectric material and it encapsulates the top portion of said at least one metallic capped conductive feature that extends above the upper surface of dielectric material.