Phosphinoalkylnitriles R2P-(CH2)"-CN {R = isopropyl ('pr), phenyl (ph), cyclohexyl (' hex), n -3, 6, 10} have been prepared starting from the corresponding secondary phosphines in an easy three step synthesis. All new compounds were characterized by their 'H -, i3C and 31P NMR data. Some of these new P, N ligands were used to prepare complexes [{R2P-(CH2)"-CN}2PdCl2] which were also identified by their NMR data. In addition the crystal structures of three derivatives, [{'pr2P-(CH2)3-CN }2PdCl2] 7a, [{ph2P-(CH2)3-CN }2PdCl2) 7b and [{ph2P-(CH 2)6-CN}2PdCl2] 8b were determined by X-ray analysis. The coordination mode of the phosphinoalkylnitriles in these complexes was found to be P-bonded resulting in a trans configuration. Palladium catalysts with 5a as ligand show high activies in the co-oligomerization of butadiene and carbon dioxide. The ^-lactone 11a is formed under very mild conditions.