The reaction between PPN [AuCl4] and [Hg (mes) 2] gives the anionic complex cis-PPN [Au (mes) 2Cl2](1) and [Hg (mes) Cl] as side-product. Complex 1 is a precursor to other compounds both neutral and cationic. Removal of one chloride ligand affords the mononuclear neutral complexes cis-[Au (mes) 2ClL](L= PPh3 (2), P {p-tol} 3 (3), AsPh3 (4), SPPh3 (5)) by addition of a neutral ligand or, alternatively if no ligand is added, dimeric cis ...