Abstract: A method for the continuous production of anhydrous potassium tert-butoxide in a packed distillation column, wherein aqueous potash lye is fed with excess tert-butyl alcohol to the top of the column. Water formed in the reaction as well as water brought in with the reactants is distilled out at the top using methylcyclohexane or n-heptane as withdrawing agent. The amount of the withdrawing agent and of the tert-butanol must be selected such that above the column boiler a content between 0.2 and 2 wt.-% of the withdrawing agent is present in the gas mixture, while the gas mixture in the middle of the column has either between 32 and 34 wt.-% of methylcyclohexane or 36 to 38 wt.-% of n-heptane. The water together with the withdrawing agent and tert-butanol is withdrawn from the top of the column and then condensed. The organic phase of the condensate is fed back to the column.