Abstract: This invention relates to an improved apparatus for preparing alkylated urea or melamine formaldehyde resins from alcohols having a boiling point higher than water, which apparatus permits the return of substantially dry alcohol from the water distillation system to the reactor.The apparatus comprises a reactor connected to a fractionating column, having a rectifying section above a stripping section, at the junction of the rectifying section and the stripping section; a reboiler at the bottom of the fractionating column, which returns substantially dry alcohol to the reactor; a condenser which condenses the alcohol-water vapor mixture exiting the rectifying section of the column; and a separator device which separates the condensed mixture into an alcohol phase and a water phase, and from which the alcohol phase is returned to the top portion of the column.Use of the apparatus of the invention results in a substantial reduction in reaction times.