Crystal structure of bis­[μ-bis­(di­phenyl­phosphanyl)methane-κ(2) P:P′]digold(I) dichloride acetone monosolvate monohydrate

In the title complex salt, [Au(2){(C(6)H(5))(2)PCH(2)P(C(6)H(5))(2)}]Cl(2)·(CH(3))(2)C=O·H(2)O, the dication forms an eight-membered {—PCPAu}(2) ring with a transannular aurophilic inter­action [Au⋯Au = 2.9743 (2) Å]. The ring approximates a flattened boat conformation, with the two methyl­ene C atoms lying ca 0.58–0.59 Å above the least-squares plane defined by the Au(2)P(4) atoms (r.m.s. deviation = 0.0849 Å). One Cl(−) anion functions as a weak bridge between the Au(I) atoms [Au⋯Cl = 2.9492 (13) and 2.9776 (12) Å]. The second Cl(−) anion forms two (water)O—H⋯Cl hydrogen bonds about a centre of inversion, forming a centrosymmetric eight-membered {⋯HOH⋯Cl}(2) supra­molecular square. Globally, the dications and loosely associated Cl(−) anions assemble into layers lying parallel to the ac plane, being connected by C—H⋯Cl,π(phen­yl) inter­actions. The supra­molecular squares and solvent acetone mol­ecules are sandwiched in the inter-layer region, being connected to the layers on either side by C—H⋯Cl,O(acetone) inter­actions.