Three high-spin tetranuclear cobalt(ii) complexes have been prepared with the bridging ligand 4,7-phenanthrolino-5,6:5′,6′-pyrazine (ppz) through metal-ion directed self-assembly. The complexes differ by the incorporation of three different coordinating anions: chloride, thiocyanide and selenocyanide. The physical properties of these complexes have been investigated in detail.