A linear complex of gold(I) cyanide with tri(cyclohexyl)phosphine, [Au
(CN)(C18H33P)], has been synthesized and characterized by X-ray crysta
llographic analysis. Contrary to the ionic species formed with tris(2-
cyanoethyl)phosphine, no ionic complex was formed in the case of tri(c
yclohexyl)phosphine. The Au-C and Au-P distances of 2.006(11) and 2.28
7(3)Angstrom, respectively, are similar to the corresponding distances
in AuCN complexes of other tri(alkyl/aryl)phosphines.