Process for the continuous preparation of dialkyl carbonates

A process for the preparation of a dialkyl carbonate of the formula

• (R.sup.1 O).sub.2 CO (I)
• in which
• R.sup.1 denotes straight-chain or branched C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 -alkyl, by transesterification of ethylene carbonate or propylene carbonate with 3-30 mols of an alcohol of the formula
• R.sup.1 OH (II)
• in which
• R.sup.1 has the above meaning, per mole of ethylene carbonate or propylene carbonate in the presence of catalysts, wherein the transesterification is carried out in a column equipped with packing or baffles at temperatures in the range of 60.degree.-160.degree. C. and the reactants are passed in countercurrent such that the ethylene carbonate or propylene carbonate are metered into the upper part of the column and the alcohol is metered into the lower part of the column and the catalyst is arranged as a fixed bed in the column or is also metered into the upper part of the column in solution or suspension, the dialkyl carbonate formed, if appropriate as a mixture with alcohol, being removed at the top of the column and the ethylene glycol or propylene glycol formed from the ethylene carbonate or propylene carbonate being removed at the foot of the column, if appropriate together with the catalyst.