Two enantiomers of [Cu(3)(mnt)(3)](3-) as ligands to Cu(i) or Ag(i) in building [Cu(6)M(2)(mnt)(6)](4-) complexes (M = Cu or Ag) with the reversal of the reaction by X(-) (X = Cl, Br).

Two enantiomers of Bu(4)N[Cu(3)(mnt)(3)] () formed by Na(2)(mnt) (mnt = maleonitriledithiolate, S(2)C(2)(CN)(2)) and CuCl in a 1 : 1 molar ratio react further with MCl (M = Cu or Ag) involving both the enantiomers of to produce the larger complex, Bu(4)N[Cu(6)M(2)(mnt)(6)] (M = Cu (2), Ag (3)) from which the capped Cu(+) or Ag(+) ion can readily be removed by Bu(4)NX (X = Cl, Br), reverting or back to . Such reversal does not work with non-coordinating anions like BF(4)(-), ClO(4)(-) and PF(6)(-).