Several years ago it was discovered that molybdenum trioxide reacts with a half-molar equivalent of glycine to produce a product where glycine is most likely intercalated into the MoO3 layered-structure and coordinated to the molybdenum(VI) centers. This reaction was reinvestigated and expanded to several other amino acids with the intent of producing useful materials. It was found that non-basic, non-chelating amino acids behave similarly to glycine but coordinating or strongly basic amino acids produced soluble products instead. Cysteine appeared to reduce MoO3 to form dark blue molybdenum bronze species. Among the useful discoveries were materials that are capable of extracting heavy metals (such as copper) from water, novel flame-retardants, and new colorimetric compounds for detection of strong oxidants and improvised explosives. [Funded by OSU Chemistry Research Experiences for Undergraduates in Integrated Nanosciences (NSF-REU #0649162), NASA Oklahoma Space Grant Consortium, Oklahoma-NSF-Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation, OCAST and Oklahoma Transportation Center.]

Production of useful materials from the reaction of molybdenum trioxide with amino acids

239th National Meeting (2010)

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