The synthesis and characterization of the ligands R3PAu(1-H) (R =Bu-n, Ph) and (1-H)Au(mu-dppe)Au(1-H) (1 = HC CCH(2)Otpy, tpy = 2,2 ':6 ',2 ''-terpyridme) are reported. The single crystal structures of (Bu3PAu)-Bu-n(1-H) and (1-H)Au(mu-dppe)Au(1-H) have been determined, and weak hydrogen bonding rather than aurophilic interactions operate between the molecules in the solid state. (C) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.