Catalyzed by zinc bromide, tetrahydrofuran ring can be opened with acyloxyphos- phonium bromide generated in situ to afford 4-bromobutyl esters under mild conditions in good to excellent yields. Catalyzed by zinc bromide, tetrahydrofuran ring can be opened with acyloxyphos- phonium bromide generated in situ to afford 4-bromobutyl esters under mild conditions in good to excellent yields.