Synthesis of alkoxy derivatives of dodecahydro-closo-dodecaborate anion [B12H12](2-)

Dodecahydro-closo-dodecaborate anion [B12H12](2-) is a stable non-toxic hig hly water-soluble boron-rich compound. Functionalized derivatives of this c ompound are of high interest as BNCT agents. There are however very few rou tes for the functionalizing of the cage. The present contribution describes a way to overcome this problem and to attach [B12H12](2-) to organic molec ules including biomolecules. A number of alkoxy derivatives of dodecahydro- closo-dodecaborate anion [B12H11OR](2-) (R = Et, i-Pr, C16H33, allyl, benzy l, p-CH2C6H4CN, p-CH2C6H4NO2, p-CH2CH2C6H4NO2, and CH2CH2N(CO)(2)C6H4) were prepared by the reaction of (Bu4N)(2)[B12H11OH] with the corresponding alk yl bromides or iodides in acetone in the presence of K2CO3 (C) 1999 Elsevie r Science Ltd. All rights reserved.