A process for producing aromatic carbonates

This invention provides a method for producing an alkylaryl carbonate comprising: a) contacting a stream comprising an aromatic hydroxy compound and a stream comprising a dialkylcarbonate in the presence of a transesterification catalyst in a reactive distillation column; b) withdrawing a first product stream comprising the alkylaryl carbonate from the reactive distillation column; c) withdrawing a second product stream comprising alkyl hydroxy compound and dialkylcarbonate; d) adding fresh dialkylcarbonate to the second product stream; e) separating the dialkylcarbonate from the alkyl hydroxy compound; and f) recycling the dialkylcarbonate from step e) to the reactive distillation column.