Two new types of C-sp(3)-H functionalization reactions of alcohols CnH2n+1OH (n = 7-9) with the superelectrophilic complex CBr4 center dot 2AlBr(3) and CO have been developed. In the presence of various nucleophiles (EtOH, (PrOH)-Pr-i, CF3CH2OH, HCF2CF2CH2OH, furan, pyrrole, thiophene, morpholine, and anisole), the reaction furnishes new neo-alcohols with remote functional groups. In the absence of external nucleophiles, macrocyclic lactides are produced. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.