Enforcing hemidirectionality in Pb(II) complexes: The importance of anionic ligands

► We study the directionality of the Pb2+ lone pair in presence of anionic ligands. ► [PbLn(HL)m]2 complexes (n = 1-3, m = 1-7, L = Cl− or SH−) are investigated. ► The presence of only one anion induces hemidirectionality for all complexes.