Synthesis of quadruped-shaped polyfunctionalized o-carborane synthons

o-Carborane derivatives with precisely defined patterns of substitution have been prepared from 8,9,10,12-I(4)-1,2-closo-C(2)B(10)H(8) by replacing the iodine atoms, bonded to four adjacent boron vertices in the cluster, with allyl, and subsequently 3-hydroxypropyl groups. The resulting structures, comprising four pendant arms and two reactive vertices located on opposite sides of a central o-carborane core, can be envisaged as versatile precursors for dendritic growth.