The reaction of primary alcohols or simple ethers and α, ω-diols or cyclic ethers with a stoichiometric amount of benzyltrimethylammonium tribromide (BTMA Br 3) in carbon tetrachloride in the presence of Na 2 HPO 4 aq or in acetic acid in the presence of CH 3 CO 2 Na aq at 60–70° C gave dimeric esters and lactones respectively in good yields. The reaction of secondary alcohols with 1 equiv of BTMA Br 3 in the presence of a buffer at 60° ...