Three complexes, [M(CO)5Tz], have been synthesised by the photochemical reaction of 3,5-dimethyl-1,2,4-triazole (Tz) with [M(CO)6] (M = Cr, Mo and W). The crystal structure of [Cr(CO)5Tz] has been characterised by X-ray analysis, and the 4 H-tautomer of the triazole ligand is observed in this complex in the solid state.