A series of 3,4-dicarboethoxy-N-pyrrolyl phosphine ligands (R2P-NC4H2(
CO2Et)(2)) is described. A number of techniques, including reaction ca
lorimetry, infrared spectroscopy, and X-ray crystallography, demonstra
te that these ligands are potent pi-acceptors and that the electronic
substituent parameter chi(i) for the 3,4-(EtO2C)(2)C4H2N moiety is ca.
16, placing it in a position between fluorine and chlorine.