Photolysis of the norbornadiene (nbd) complex [W (CO) 4 (η4-nbd)](1) creates a coordinatively unsaturated d6 species which interacts with the Si–H bond of tertiary and secondary silanes (Cl3SiH, Et3SiH, Et2SiH2, Ph2SiH2) to yield hydride complexes of varying stability. In reaction of complex 1 with Cl3SiH, oxidative addition of the Si–H bond to the tungsten (0) center gives the seven-coordinate tungsten (II) complex [WH (SiCl3)(CO) ...