The metal atoms in group 11 complexes [M{(PR2)2C2B9H10}L] [R = Ph, (i)Pr; L = tertiary phosphane; M = Au, Ag, Cu] play an important role in the emissive properties of these compounds. The influence of the metal follows the order Au ≫ Ag ≥ Cu. The three-coordinated complexes are obtained from the reaction of [AuClL], [Ag(OTf)L], or [Cu(NO3)(PPh3)2] with the closo carborane diphosphane in refluxing ethanol. For L = PPh2NHPy, cleavage of the P-N bond and the formation of the monophosphane PPh2OEt are observed, depending on the metal and the nido carborane diphosphane substituent ((i)Pr or Ph).