The crystal structure of the cytotoxic complex 1,2-dichloro(o-phenanthroline)gold(III) chloride ([AuphenCl2]Cl) has been solved through single crystal X-ray diffraction methods. The complex is square planar and exhibits a quite regular geometry. Crystals of the compound belong to the space group P21/n with a=12.632(5), b=16.916(3), c=12.902(6) Å, β=91.31(3)° and Z=8. The coordination of the two gold(III) ions in the asymmetric unit is completed by two chloride ions at 2.972(3) and 3.043(3) Å, respectively, forming a distorted square pyramid. The behavior in solution of [AuphenCl2]Cl was further analyzed through 1H NMR spectroscopy. Results point out that the [Au(III)phen]3+ molecular fragment is stable in solution for several hours, even under physiological conditions, whereas the two chloride ligands are released within approximately 30 min after dissolution in the buffer, at 25°C. The gold(III) chromophore is easily and quickly reduced by addition of stoichiometric amounts of sodium ascorbate; metallic gold is formed and free phenanthroline liberates. The implications of these findings for the biological properties of the [Au(III)phen]3+ species are discussed.