Alkoxo-and aryloxo-gold (I) complexes [Au (OR) L][R= CH (CF3) 2, L= PPh3 1a or PCy3 1b; R= Ph, L= PPh3 1c, PCy3 1d or PMe3 1e] smoothly reacted with ethylene sulfide to give the corresponding 2-(alkoxy-or-aryloxy) ethylsulfanylgold (I) complexes [Au (SCH2CH2OR) L] 2 at room temperature. Similar treatments of 1a–1e with propylene sulfide, isobutylene sulfide, or styrene sulfide selectively cleaved the less hindered C–S bond of thiiranes to give ...