Method for the combined production of polyols in the presence of an inorganic base

The present invention relates to a process for simultaneously consecutive preparation of polyols by base-catalyzed reaction of at least two different mid-chain aldehydes with formaldehyde. The simultaneous consecutive mode of operation makes it possible to achieve high conversions and high selectivities for both aldehydes, with additional achievement of a distinct reduction in the amount of unreacted formaldehyde remaining. This leads to improved process economics, since the energy costs for workup of the formaldehyde stream are distinctly reduced.