Lead around: The cyclic [Pb₅]⁴⁻ ion can be stabilized as an organometallic complex with the {Mo(CO)₃} fragment. This complex is formed by the reaction of [Pb₉]⁴⁻ with [MesMo(CO)₃] (Mes=1,3,5‐trimethylbenzene). In the solid state this highly charged anion forms a linear chain with strong interactions between the potassium cations and the carbonyl oxygen.