The crystal structure of the title compound, (C 6 H 5 ) 3 PAuS 2 -COCH3, has been determined at room temperature. Crystals are triclinic, Pi, a = 10.887(2), b = 11.074(2), c = 8.862(1)Â, a = 104.08(1), β = 95.97(1), y = 99.88(2)°, Z = 2,D m = 1.85; D x = 1.865 Mgm" 3 . The structure was refined by a full-matrix least-squares procedure to final R 0.025 for 3112 unique reflections measured on a CAD-4 diffractometer. The gold atom is linearly coordinated by the Ρ atom and a S atom of the monodentate xanthate ligand. The angle subtended at the gold atom is 174.1(1)° and the associated Au-Ρ and Au-S distances are 2.261(1) and 2.310(1)Â respectively. The deviation from ideal linear geometry has been rationalized in terms of a weak intermolecular Au.. .O interaction.