Abstract: A reactive stripping process for continuously carrying out chemical reactions while separating the reactants from the reaction products is provided. The process comprises passing liquid reactants and an inert stripping gaseous stream in a reactor column (1) having a plurality of perforated trays (2) provided therein and interconnected by a plurality of downcomers (3), screens (4 and 5) provided on the trays (2) and the top openings of the downcomers (3). The trays (2) and downcomers (3) are associated with the screens (4 and 5) to form a chamber optionally provided with a solid particulate or liquid catalyst (6) therein. A reactive stripping apparatus for performing such a process is also provided. According to the invention, at least one reaction product and the reaction mixture having different boiling points can be separated in order that chemical reactions proceed continuously as desired.