PROCESS FOR WORKUP OF A METHANOL/WATER MIXTURE IN THE PRODUCTION OF ALKALI METAL METHOXIDES IN A REACTION COLUMN

The present invention relates to a process for workup of a methanol/water mixture which is employed in the production of alkali metal methoxides in a reaction column. The mixture is distillatively separated in a rectification column. The vapours obtained at the upper end of the rectification column are compressed in at least two stages and the energy of the vapours compressed in each case is advantageously transferred to bottoms and side streams of the rectification column. This allows particularly energy-efficient use of the energy of the compressed vapours in the process according to the invention.The process for workup of a methanol/water mixture is employed in the production of alkali metal methoxides in a reaction column, wherein methanol and alkali metal hydroxide solution are reacted with one another in countercurrent in a reaction column. Alkali metal methoxide dissolved in methanol is withdrawn at the lower end and a methanol/water mixture which is worked up with the workup process according to the invention is withdrawn at the upper end. The energy of the compressed vapours may additionally be used for operating the reaction column or for operating a reaction column in which a process for transalcoholization of alkali metal alkoxides is performed.