Reaction of [MI2(CO)(NCMe)(η2-EtC2Et)2] (M = Mo,W) with one equivalent of 2,2' -bipyridine (bipy) in CH2C12 at room temperature gives either the neutral complex, [MoI2(CO)(bipy)- (η2-EtC2Et)] (1) or the cationic complex, [WI(CO)(bipy)(η2-EtC2Et)2]I (2). The neutral molybdenum complex 1, has been crystallographically characterised, and has a pseudo-octahedral geometry with the iodo-ligand trans to the 3-hexyne, and with the bipy, carbon monoxide and other iodo-ligand occupying the equatorial face. 13C NMR studies show the 3-hexyne is donating four electrons to the molybdenum in 1.