Abstract: Decaborane (14) is prepared by the chemical oxidation of the tetradecahydroundecaborate (-1) ion with an oxidant having an electrode potential (E.degree.) of at least +0.6 volts.

Abstract: Tetradecahydroundecaborate compounds, MB.sub.11 H.sub.14, wherein M represents a monovalent cation are prepared by the reaction of the corresponding octahydroborate compounds, MB.sub.3 H.sub.8, with boron trifluoride. The reaction is carried out at a temperature of 100.degree. C. to 120.degree. C., preferably in an inert solvent medium.

Abstract: A simple, efficient and safe method is provided for the separation of carborane products such as 1,2-dicarbacloso-dodecaborane(12), 1-bromomethyl-1,2-dicarba-closo-dodecaborane(12), 1-(n-hexyl)-1,2-dicarba-closo-dodecaborane(12) and various other substituted carborane derivatives from tarry materials present in their reaction mixtures. The method involves dissolving the reaction mixture in a solvent in which all of the components of the reaction are very soluble and non-reactive, and thereafter extracting the solution with a second solvent which is non-reactive and immiscible with the first solvent, and in which side products are insoluble but the desired carborane product is selectively soluble. The purified carborane products have a variety of uses, particularly as intermediates for other products having known utility.