Alkynyl gold(I) compounds present interesting luminescent properties due to the establishment of aurophilic interactions (Au•••Au). This kind of interaction, together with the linearity imposed by the gold(I) atoms and acetylide groups, is also responsible for the construction of supramolecular architectures such as gels.The aim of this project is the design of new luminescent hydrogels and chemosensors based on the general structure [R1AuC≡CR2]. The work is inspired, on one hand, in the recently found ability of the complexes [Au(4-ethynylpyridyl)(phosph)] (phosph = PTA, DAPTA) to form luminescent hydrogels. On the other hand, it is known that gold(I) compounds can find application in molecular recognition processes of cations and anions, where the signalling arises from the modulation of aurophilic or chromophore interactions.The project plans the study of several types of alkynyl gold(I) complexes containing coumarins, polyamines and positively charged alkylated ligands, respectively. The hydrogels found for every type of derivative will be characterized regarding their morphology, photophysics and aggregation properties. Moreover, the luminescent properties of the complexes will be investigated regarding the chemosensing of biologically and environmentally relevant anions and cations.This project represents a multidisciplinary and novelty research dealing with systems that can be valuable in a wide range of applications.