Abstract The newly synthesised ligand 2 combines binding components known to undergo specific and distinct self-assembly processes with Cu 1 ions. It complexes Cu 1 to form, in almost quantitative yield, a large inorganic architecture 1 made up from four ligand molecules and twelve metal ions. The structure of 1 was ascertained by X-ray radiocrystallography as well as by NMR spectroscopy and electrospray mass ...