The assembly of T1Tp(4Bo) and M(Tp(4Bo))(2) (M e.g. Co, Ni) in the crystal is dictated by aromatic pi-pi and C-H ...pi interactions. This leads to the formation of chiral C-2-symmetrical pairs (for T1) or solvent-filled, about 30%-porous, non-covalent framework structures (for Co and Ni). The potassium salt KTp(4Bo) features a kappa N,eta-C-C,eta(2)-C-N cation-pi coordination mode - curious for a Tp-type ligand. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.