Process for preparing solutions of alkali metal salts of functionalized alcohols

1 1 2 2 1811 18282838618719318419181-338181-3618181-33182 Alkali metal salt of formula (I): MOYXR(I), and its solution can be prepared in high yields, particularly high space-time yields, and with high purities by reacting an alcohol of the formula (Ia): HOYXR(Ia), in a solvent mixture with an alkali metal salt of formula (II): MOR(II), or by reacting the alcohol (Ia) in a solvent mixture with an alkali metal hydroxide. Part of the liberated alcohol of formula (IIa): HOR(IIa) or a part of the liberated water is distilled from the solvent mixture, initially, without addition of an entrainer. Subsequently, a remainder of the liberated alcohol of formula (IIa) or the liberated water is distilled from the solvent mixture with the aid of at least one organic solvent as entrainer. In formula (I) and in formula (II), M is Li, Na, K, Rb or Cs. In formula (I) and in formula (Ia): Y is (C-C)-alkylene, X is O, S or NR, and Ris H, (C-C)-alkyl, (C-C)-alkenyl, (C-C)-alkynyl, (C-C)-cycloalkyl, (C-C)-aryl, (C-C)-aralkyl, (C-C)-heteroaryl, (C-C)-heteroaralkyl, ((C-C)-alkyl)-(C-C)-cycloalkyl, ((C-C)-alkyl)-(C-C)-aryl or ((C-C)-alkyl)-(C-C)-heteoraryl. In formula (II) and in formula (IIa), Ris methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, sec-butyl, isobutyl or tert-butyl.