[(eta-3-C3H5)3WCl]2 reacts with substituted cyclopentadienyl alkali metal derivatives to give (eta-5-RC5H4)(eta-3-C3H5)2(eta-1-C3H5)W (where R is H, Me or t-C4H9). Analogous reactions involving indenyl- or fluorenyllithium produce (eta-5-L)(eta-3-C3H5)2W species.