A phosphine-based catalyst composition suitable for the telomerization of butadiene to produce 1-octene includes palladium and one of a class of novel phosphine ligands characterized by two potentially functionalized phenyl rings and cyclized 5- or 6-member alkoxy groups that, together, bridge the two potentially functionalized phenyl rings. In these groups the alkoxy moiety of each is located ortho to at least one functionalizing moiety, if any, on the phenyl rings. The catalysts including this class of phosphine ligands may exhibit higher catalytic activity and selectivity, and may be used at lower temperatures, than many other phosphine ligand catalysts, reducing costs. Palladium precipitation may also be reduced.