Synthesis, characterization, and X-ray structure determination of [[Au.sub.18][(P).sub.2][(PPh).sub.4](PHPh)[(dppm).sub.6]][Cl.sub.3]

The synthesis and characterization of the gold cluster compound [[Au.sub.18][(P).sub.2][(PPh).sub.4](PHPh)[(dppm).sub.6]][Cl.sub.3] (where dppm = [Ph.sub.2]PC[H.sub.2]PP[h.sub.2]) which shows a central [Au.sub.7[P.sub.2] unit formed by two P centered gold tetrahedra sharing the central gold corner is presented.