(2-Furyl)phenyl(2-pyridyl)phosphine has been synthesised by reaction of 2-furyllithium with chlorophenyl(2-pyridyl)phosphine. The new ligand in combination with Pd(OAc)(2) and methanesulphonic acid provides a catalytic system highly active in the alkoxycarbonylation of terminal alkynes. The catalytic activity of the system depends on both the metal to ligand and metal to acid ratios. The new ligand seems to be more efficient than the widely used (2-pyridyl)diphenylphosphine.