Iminophosphoranes with organic groups derived from d-glucose, d-galactose and l-arabinose have been used to prepare gold(III) dichloride complexes via mercurated intermediates, since direct cyclometallation was unsuccessful. Structures and full spectroscopic data are reported. Replacement of one or more of the chloride ligands by PPh3, or by thiosalicylate gave new derivatives. Biological screening showed no enhanced activity relative to other alkyl or aryl analogues.