The syntheses of a series of novel ester-linked derivatives of the icosahedral [closo-B12(OH)12]2-
boron cluster (closomer esters) are described using several synthetic methods. The reaction of bis(tetrabutylammonium)-closo-dodecahydroxy-dodecaborate, [NBu
4
]
2
1, with carboxylic acid chlorides and
anhydrides, vinyl esters with a Y5(OiPr)13O catalyst and 1,1‘-carbonyldiimidazole-activated carboxylic acids
yields the corresponding dianionic dodeca-ester closomers. The method using 1,1‘-carbonyldiimidazole-activated carboxylic acids may be employed as a general synthetic strategy. The use of elevated reaction
temperatures, achievable under pressure, to expedite syntheses is described. An attractive methodology
using immobilized scavenger reagents for the expeditious purification of the closomer esters was employed.
The developed methodology is compatible with a variety of peripheral functional groups attached to the
termini of densely packed, carboxylate ester-linked radial arms bonded to the icosahedral borane surface.
A closomer ester having twelve terminal amino groups was prepared, and without isolation, fully acetylated
in good yield.