Abstract: Systems and methods for formation of highly reactive alkali dendrites are provided. For example, in some embodiments alkali metals are dissolved in ammonia to form metal electrides after which the ammonia is removed via vacuum to reveal highly activated metal surfaces in the form of crystalline alkali dendrites. The alkali dendrites can mimic powders but have the advantage of being freshly prepared from inexpensive and readily available metal sources. These uniquely activated metals exhibit enhanced reactivity comparatively to similar off the shelf sources of the corresponding metals. For example, the dendrites can have about 100 times greater surface area than conventional metal sources and/or be about 19 times more reactive than powders that serve as the industry standard for the preparation of organometallic compounds. After surface activation, these metals can be used to prepare various organometallic reagents.

Abstract: Disclosed is a limonene-sulfur polysulfide and methods for preparing the same. The polysulfide prepared according to these methods is flexible, moldable and otherwise capable of being formed in any manner consistent with a thermoplastic polymer. The limonene-sulfur polysulfide has been demonstrated to sequester inorganic palladium and inorganic mercury dissolved in water.

Abstract: Disclosed is a limonene-sulfur polysulfide and methods for preparing the same. The polysulfide prepared according to these methods is flexible, moldable and otherwise capable of being formed in any manner consistent with a thermoplastic polymer. The limonene-sulfur polysulfide has been demonstrated to sequester inorganic palladium and inorganic mercury dissolved in water.