A new coordination mode for the porphyrin ligand is found in [B O (BCl ) (tpClpp)] (tpClpp=dianion of 5,10,15,20-tetra-p-chlorophenylporphyrin; the p-chlorophenyl groups are omitted for clarity in the picture shown on the right). This complex contains a four-membered B O ring in the cavity of the ligand. The two boron atoms are coplanar with the porphyrin molecule, which undergoes an elongation along the B⋅⋅⋅B axis to accomodate the unusual guest.