Preparation of bisphenols

A continuous process for the preparation of 2,2-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)propane comprising reacting, in a reaction zone, at a temperature from about 30.degree. to about 120.degree. C., at least two moles of phenol with acetone in the presence of an acid ion-exchange resin having an exchange capacity of at least 2.0 meq H+/g of dry resin, separating the reaction zone effluent into two streams, the first stream comprising unreacted acetone, water and phenol and the second stream comprising 2,2-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)propane, reaction by-products and phenol and recovering 2,2-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)propane from the second stream, wherein a part of the second stream is recycled to the reaction zone before the 2,2-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)propane is recovered therefrom.