Process for the separation of esters

The present invention relates to a process for the selective separation of esters of the general formula II A-COOR1 II from mixtures containing the cyclopropane carboxylic acid esters of the general formula I I in addition to the said esters of the general formula II by reacting the said mixture with an amine of the general formula III III when removing the acid amides formed from the esters of the general formula II by washing the mixture with water of removing the esters of the general formula I by distillation. The compounds of the general formula I are the intermediates of herbicides. The requested purity of the herbicides can be achieved if pure intermediates are used.