The trans influence in linear gold(I) complexes [AuClL] has been studied by 35Cl n.q.r. spectroscopy [L = RNC (R = Ph, p-MeOC6H4, or C6H11), Cl–, C5H5N, PR′3(R′= Et, Ph, C6H11, Cl, OMe, or OPh), AsPh3, PPh3S, or SMe2]. The 35Cl n.q.r. frequencies show a high senstitvity to the trans ligand, and may be related to the bonding properties of this ligand. It is concluded that σ-bonding effects are dominant. The results are significantly different from those obtained from similar studies of square-planar platinum(II) complexes.