Abstract: The invention relates to a process for preparing isocyanates by reacting the corresponding amines with phosgene in the gas phase, optionally in the presence of an inert medium, in which the amine and the phosgene are first mixed and converted to the isocyanate in a reactor, and in which a reaction gas (1) which comprises isocyanate and hydrogen chloride leaving the reactor is cooled in a quench (3) by adding a liquid quench medium (5) to form a mixture of reaction gas and quench medium as the product stream (7). The quench medium (5) used is a mixture which comprises at least one solvent and isocyanate and which is withdrawn from the preparation process, any solid particles present in the quench medium (5) being removed before addition to the quench (3).

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for preparing isocyanates by reacting the corresponding amines with phosgene in the gas phase, optionally in the presence of an inert medium, in which the amine and the phosgene are first mixed and converted to the isocyanate in a reactor, and in which a reaction gas (1) which comprises isocyanate and hydrogen chloride leaving the reactor is cooled in a quench (3) by adding a liquid quench medium (5) to form a mixture of reaction gas and quench medium as the product stream (7). The quench medium (5) used is a mixture which comprises at least one solvent and isocyanate and which is withdrawn from the preparation process, any solid particles present in the quench medium (5) being removed before addition to the quench (3).