An efficient protocol for CÀ O bond formation from C sp2 À X (X=Br, Cl) bond-containing compounds and alkyl alcohols in the presence of 1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane (DABCO) as catalyst and base under mild conditions is described. The densely functionalized 2(5H)-furanone products can be generally obtained in moderate to excellent yields via a metal-free protocol at room temperature without added solvent.