Abstract: A liquid starting mixture contains at least one fatty acid having 6 to 30 carbon atoms per molecule and per mole of fatty acid comprises 1.0 to 1.5 moles of fatty alcohol having 6 to 30 carbon atoms. An intermediate product which contains at least 50% by weight is prepared from the liquid starting product, which is passed at temperatures from about 120 to 320.degree. C. through a stirring zone and is sprayed and water vapor is removed. The intermediate product is hydrogenated to produce a raw product, which contains at least 75% by weight fatty alcohol. A partial stream which contains fatty alcohol is removed from the raw product and is added to the liquid starting mixture. The intermediate product which contains at least 50% by weight wax ester can be prepared without use of a solids containing catalyst.

Abstract: The wax ester is prepared from a liquid mixture which contains at least one fatty acid and at least one fatty alcohol. The fatty acid and the fatty alcohol contain 6 to 30 carbon atoms per molecule. The mixture is agitated at temperatures in the range from about 105.degree.to 300.degree. C. and is sprayed into a spraying zone. An atmosphere which contains water vapor is formed in the spraying zone and is removed at least in part. The mixture of fatty acid and fatty alcohol may be agitated in at least one stirred vessel preceding the spraying zone. A catalyst is preferably not added.