The photoelectron spectra of tricyanomethane derivatives X-C(CN)3 with substituents X = H, CH3, Br and C6H5 have been recorded and are assigned based on MNDO calculations as well as on radical cation state comparison with the iso(valence)electronic P(CN)3, within the series of cyanomethanes H4-nC(CN)n, and with each other. For HC(CN)3, no traces of the isomeric dicyano, ketimine HN = C=C(CN)2 are detected in the gas phase. Tricyanomethylbenzene, H5C6-C(CN)3, exhibiting the highest first ionization energy of any known singly acceptor substituted phenyl derivative, demonstrates the tremendous electron withdrawing effect of the -C(CN)3 group