New method of synthesis of 6-hydroxy-nido-decaborane 6-(OH)B10H13 by cage opening of closo-[B10H10]2−

6-hydroxy-nido-decaborane 6-(OH)B10H13 was prepared by opening the cage [B10H10]2− in strong acidic medium. The reaction must be carried out in the presence of an inert solvent such as hexane. 6-(OH)B10H13 is obtained with a 30% yield and characterized by 11B NMR and I.R. Boric acid was also detected. Attempts to reproduce the opening of the [B10H10]2− cage in basic or neutral media have been unsuccessful.