By investigating the coordination chemistry of a neutral N-heterocyclic olefin phosphine ligand, a new digold(I) chloride complex was discovered, demonstrating that mixed element (P/C) donor sites can be accessed at the same time. However attempts to extend this strategy for the preparation of heterobimetallic complexes featuring copper(I) and gold(I) centers with this mixed donor ligand were unsuccessful. The related monometallic copper(I) and gold(I) iodide complexes were discovered to be emissive in the solid state.