Organic esters such as propylene glycol diacetate are prepared in a single organic reaction phase from the corresponding halocarbon having from 3 to 8 carbon atoms, e.g., 1,2-dicholorpropane and the alkali or alkaline earth metal salt of a carboxylic acid. The inorganic salt formed thereby is not soluble in the organic phase. The reaction rate and selectivity are surprisingly good when the reaction contains little or no water.