efficient processes have been developed for the cost effective functionalization of polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane - silanols and for the manufacture of polyfunctional polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes . the processes utilize the action of bases or acids on silane coupling agents . the preferred process utilizes base to promote the silylation of poss - silanols of the formula n sio 1 0 ) m ] σ # with silane coupling agents to form poss species with functionalized incompletely condensed nanostructures n sio 1 0 ) m ] σ # or functionalized completely condensed nanostructures n 1 ] σ # . the process can alternately be conducted with acids . a second process utilizes base to alkylate poss - silanols with functionalized alkyl halides . a third related process utilizes base to react with silane coupling agents to form polyfunctional , fully condensed poss species of formula n ] σ # . this process can also alternately be conducted under acidic conditions . each of the processes result in new poss compositions that can undergo additional desirable chemical reactions or which are directly suitable for polymerization or grafting into polymeric materials . poss frameworks containing silanol and other reactive functionalities suitable for polymerizations have previously been described as valuable co - monomers in polymerizations and as feed - stocks for the preparation of a diverse number of chemical agents that are useful in polymeric materials in biological applications , and for the modification of surfaces .