Abstract: The preparation of monovinyl ethers of the general formula I ##STR1## in which A stands for a chemical bond or for a methylene or ethylene group, the radicals R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 independently stand for hydrogen, alkyl, cycloalkyl, or aryl groups or R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 together form a C.sub.3 -C.sub.5 alkylene bridging member, by the reaction of a diol of the general formula II ##STR2## in which the variables have the above meanings, with acetylene in the presence of a base, in which the reaction is carried out at 150.degree.-250.degree. C. under an acetylene partial pressure of 5-25 bar until 40-80% of the diol has been converted, at which point the reaction is stopped and the monovinyl ether of the formula I is isolated.