Novel catalyst systems based on CuBr2 supported on zeolite HY with a hierarchical pore structure have been proposed for benzyl butyl ether synthesis by the intermolecular dehydration of benzyl and butyl alcohols. It has been shown that catalyst systems with a CuBr(2)content of similar to 10 wt % provide a benzyl butyl ether yield of similar to 95% at 150 degrees C.