This density functional theory (DFT) investigation examines the formation of nonradical Au(0) species from the reduction of Au(I) species. The Au(I) complexes of interest are AuCl2-, AuBr2-, AuI2-, AuClPH3, and AuCl(H)SCH3(-), which are precursors for gold nanoparticle and cluster formation. Reaction of two of the Au(I) species with a hydride results in ejection of two of the ligands and formation of Au2 with two ligands still attached. AuX2- (where X = Cl, Br, or I) reactions eject two halides and form Au2X22-. AuClL(-) (where L = PH3, HSCH3, or SCH3-) reactions can eject either chloride, HCl, PH3, HSCH3, or SCH3- and form Au(0)L-2(q-) or Au(0)ClLq- (q = 0, 1, 2). The Au2Cl22- complex can further react with AuCl2-, which forms Au3Cl32- and a chloride anion. The new Au3Cl32- species can then react with AuCl2- or Au2Cl22- or with another Au3Cl32-. Larger clusters can be formed from these precursors. In this work, reactions in both methanol and benzene solvents are considered as models for one-phase and two-phase gold nanoparticle growth processes. Overall, this investigation shows how Au(0)-containing species can be formed without assuming the formation of Au(0) atoms (radical species).