Zn(II)-methionine: Commercially acquired L-methionine was dissolved in 1 M NaOH solution at a 1:1 L-methionine to NaOH molar ratio. 2 mL of this solution was mixed with 10 mL of 0.1 M Zn(II) chloride solution and stirred for 1 hour at room temperature. Upon addition of Zn(II) chloride, white solid immediately precipitated out. This precipitate was isolated by vacuum filtration, washed once with cold water, and then with diethyl ether. Examination of the solid product under a light microscope revealed the material to be composed of small, colorless plate-shaped crystals.