Processes for forming functionalized metal-containing particles. The processes employ a reactive precursor material comprising a metal atom, a leaving group attached to the metal atom, and a functional moiety attached to the metal atom. In one embodiment, functionalized metal-containing particles can be formed by grafting reactive precursors with functional groups to particles containing controlled surface hydroxyl concentrations; with the particles produced by a prescribed method. In another embodiment, a process for forming functionalized metal-containing particles comprises (a) providing a first solution comprising water, a surfactant, and a non-polar dispersant; (b) adding a reactive precursor to the first part to form a mixture, the reactive precursor comprising a metal atom comprising a leaving group attached to the metal atom, and an organic functional moiety attached to the metal atom; and (c) adding a catalyst to the mixture of (b) and reacting with heating under reflux to form functionalized metal-containing particles.