Synthesis and X-ray structural characterisation of the tetramethylene oxonium derivative of the hydrodecaborate anion. A versatile route for derivative chemistry of [B10H10]2−

The oxonium derivative P(C6H5)4[2-B10H9O(CH2)4] (1) has been prepared from [B10H10]2− by a solvent-addition reaction route, promoted by Et2O · BF3. Its structure has been confirmed by single crystal X-ray analysis. 1 is assumed to be a useful synthon for the derivative chemistry of [B10H10]2−. As an illustration, ring-opening reaction occurred in presence of the strong nucleophilic agent OH−, giving the monoanionic derivative [P(C6H5)4]2[2-B10H9O(CH2)4OH] (2).