Continuous method of producing polyethers

In a continuous process for the production of polyethers via the catalytic reaction of an alkylene oxide with a polyhydric alcohol, the improvement which comprises conducting the reaction in a vertical, direct flow reactor having at least 6 sections, each of which is separated by perforated partitions, at a temperature of about 85.degree. C. to 120.degree. C., wherein the catalyst is a solution of an alkaline metal alkoxide selected from the group consisting of potassium, sodium, or cesium, in the polyhydric alcohol with an alkaline content of 1.0 to 20 wt.% as calculated for the corresponding hydroxide, and a water content of from 0.05 to 0.5 wt.%, wherein alkylene oxide vapors and a solution of the catalyst in the polyhydric alcohol are continuously introduced in an upward direction in the first reactor section at a rate ensuring reaction between 1 to 5 moles of alkylene oxide and one mole of polyhydric alcohol in the first reactor section, and a polyether of uniform chemical composition being produced at the outlet of the reactor;

• and wherein the movement and homogeneity of the reaction mass in all reactor sections is maintained by a sufficient flow rate of alkylene oxide vapor introduced into one or several sections of the reactor in amounts of 25 to 50% in excess of the stoichiometric amount necessary to react with the polyhydric alcohol.