Abstract: Electronic modifications of the bis(carbene) pincer ligand, ^MesCCC (bis(mesityl-benzimidazol-2-ylidene)phenyl) in the para position of the aryl backbone was targeted. Addition of electronic withdrawing groups impacted the reactivity of the catalyst toward the semihydrogenation of alkynes by influencing the product ratios. These modifications also affected if the catalyst was a competent parahydrogen induced polarization catalyst or capable of signal amplification by reversible exchange. Mechanistic studies were also interrogated using parahydrogen to understand the resting state of the catalyst and important intermediates in the catalytic cycle.