Decoloration of bisphenol-A recycle stream with cation exchange resin

A process for removing color bodies from 4,4'-bisphenol-A process recycle stream wherein a stoichiometric excess of phenol is reacted with acetone in a reaction mixture containing an acid catalyst to produce a product mixture containing phenol and 4,4'-bisphenol-A, wherein said product mixture is separated into a 4,4'-bisphenol-A/phenol adduct and a mother liquor recycle stream, wherein said mother liquor recycle stream is recycled to said reaction mixture, wherein at least a portion of said mother liquor recycle stream is contacted with an adsorbent comprising a substantially insoluble acidic cationic exchange resin for a period of time and at a temperature sufficient to reduce the content of color bodies contained in said mother liquor recycle stream, said temperature being within the range of from about 40.degree. to about 150.degree. C., prior to recycling said mother liquor to said reaction mixture, wherein said absorbent is periodically washed with a phenol/water mixture to remove absorbed color bodies therefrom, and wherein the water content of said absorbent is substantially in equilibrium with the water content of said mother liquor recycle stream.