Water-soluble p-boronophenylalanine (BPA) derivatives having cascade polyols, the monohydroxy derivative BPA(OH) (4), the dihydroxy analogue BPA(OH)2 (5), and the tetrahydroxy analogue BPA(OH)4 (6), were synthesized in order to elucidate a relationship between the molecular structures and the cellular uptake. Biological properties of these compounds in addition to BPA (1) itself were investigated. Water solubility increased in the order of BPA < BPA(OH) < or = BPA(OH)2 > BPA(OH)4. Cytotoxicity to B-16 melanoma and TIG hybrobrast cells decreased in the order of BPA >> BPA(OH) > or = BPA(OH)2 > BPA(OH)4. The cellular uptake by both B-16 and TIG cells decreased in the order of BPA > BPA(OH) > or = BPA(OH)2 > BPA(OH)4, whereas the uptake ratio of B-16/TIG increased in the order of BPA < BPA(OH) < or = BPA(OH)2 < BPA(OH)4. The latter ratio indicates the selectivity on the uptake by a cancer to normal cell.