Cross-linked porous polyurethane materials featuring dodecaborate clusters as inorganic polyol equivalents

We report the discovery that a perhydroxylated dodecaborate cluster ([B₁₂(OH)₁₂]²⁻) can act as an inorganic polyol, serving as a molecular cross-linker in the synthesis of polyurethane-based materials. We further demonstrate how the inherent robustness of the utilized boron cluster can effectively enhance the thermal stability of the produced polyurethane materials incorporating [B₁₂(OH)₁₂]²⁻ building blocks compared to analogous polymers made from carbon-based polyols. Ultimately, this approach provides a potential route to tune the chemical and physical properties of soft materials through incorporation of polyhedral boron-rich clusters into the polymer network.