A series of novel Au(I)–nitrone complexes with specific catalytic properties were prepared. Furthermore, Au(I)– and Au(III)–oxadiazole complexes were formed by a novel Au-generated nitrile–nitrone [3 + 2] cycloaddition, and the crystal structures of Au(I)–nitrones as well as the Au(I)– and Au(III)–oxadiazole complexes were studied (X-ray). A useful one-pot Au(III)-mediated cycloaddition method was