Abstract We present an effective three-step chromatography-free sequence for the preparation of apical monohydroxy derivatives of diamantane, triamantane, and [121]tetramantane from the corresponding bis-apical diols utilizing tert-butyldimethylsilyl chloride as the monosilylating agent. The procedure was successfully applied to the monoprotection of several other aliphatic and aromatic diols. Additionally