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.

Reactant materials for use in the synthesis of compounds comprising a non-metal and hydrogen, and methods of making and using the same are provided. The reactant materials generally comprise first and second non-metals, metals, a cation, and a transition metal, and can be formed and used in reactions occurring at relatively low-pressure conditions using heat energy that can be supplied via solar radiation. In particular, the reactant materials can be used in the synthesis of ammonia and various hydrocarbon compounds using air, water, and sunlight.

Aspects of the invention include a method of producing a cement material comprising step of: first reacting a calcium-bearing starting material with a first acid to produce an aqueous first calcium salt; second reacting the aqueous first calcium salt with a second acid to produce a solid second calcium salt; wherein the second acid is different from the first acid and the second calcium salt is different from the first calcium salt; and thermally treating the second calcium salt to produce a first cement material. Preferably, but not necessarily, during the second reacting step, reaction between the first calcium salt and the second acid regenerates the first acid.

Compositions and methods using silicon-based cross-coupling agents in the formation of carbon-carbon and carbon-nitrogen bonds are described.

Compositions and methods using silicon-based cross-coupling agents in the formation of carbon-carbon and carbon-nitrogen bonds are described.

Compositions and methods using silicon-based cross-coupling agents in the formation of carbon-carbon and carbon-nitrogen bonds are described.

Compositions and methods using silicon-based cross-coupling agents in the formation of carbon-carbon and carbon-nitrogen bonds are described.