Abstract:
The invention relates to a method for producing isocyanates by reacting amines with phosgene inside a reactor followed by separating the isocyanate out from the reaction mixture exiting the reactor and purifying this isocyanate. The invention is characterized in that the isocyanate is separated out and purified in a column with a top pressure of 1 to 950 mbar, preferably 5 to 50 mbar, particularly preferred 10 to 20 mbar, with a bottom temperature of 90 to 250 °C, preferably 120 to 170 °C, particularly preferred 130 to 150 °C, and that the pure isocyanate flow is withdrawn in liquid or gaseous form, preferably in a side-stream of the column.