A series of new low molecular weight nitrile solvents has been designed and synthesized for secondary lithium battery electrolytes. Lithium bis(trifluoromethylgulonyl) imide (LiTFSI) salt concentration and temperature dependent ionic conductivity, electrochemical stability and thermal properties have been studied. The best ionic conductivity, 12.9 x 10(-3) S/cm at 25 degrees C, was observed with 1.60 M LiTFSI in 2,2-bis(hydroxymethyl)-1,3-propanedi-2-ethylcyano solvent. Both electrolytes and neat solvents displayed freezing point below -80 degrees C. (C) 2015 The Electrochemical Society. All rights reserved.