Visualizing the void spaces in zeolites as multidentate multisite macroligands, termed ''zeolate ligands'', can lead to new insights. This concept is introduced, the structure, bending, and reactivity patterns of the zeolate ligand are described and set in the context of the different approaches used to synthesize ''capped'' nanometer-dimension semiconductor materials. Finally, the process of depositing epitaxial layers of a II-VI semiconductor on a planar substrate is compared with the intrazeolite topotactic procedure of assembling a II-VI semiconductor nanocluster lattice on the curved internal surface of a zeolite.