Methods are provided for appending amines to metal organic framework (MOF) compositions. In some aspects, the methods can allow for appending of amines in the solution or synthesis solution used for synthesizing a MOF. In such aspects, an amine-appended MOF can be formed without having to first separate and dry the underlying non-amine-appended MOF composition. In other aspects, amines can be appended to an existing MOF composition by exposing the MOF to a suitable amine in a protic solvent, such as water or an alcohol.