Question

There are several ligands that exhibit backbonding besides CO. Another common class is phosphines, PR3, where R is any alkyl group. Much like CO, the metal-ligand bond strength can be changed due to electron density either being withdrawn or donated to the metal center by phosphines. (A) Draw out how phosphine ligands can participate in backbonding. (B) Explain what would happen to the M-L bond strength as you increase the electron withdrawing groups on a phosphine.

Answer 1