This paper demonstrates that a state estimator can be successfully designed and implemented in a feedback control system of reactive distillation. The work of the state estimator is to provide the state compositions that are required to be used in the controller for necessary action. The control performance of a system that relies on the state estimator is examined and compared to a system that takes direct measurement from the process assuming the availability of a perfect online analyzer. It is found that the estimator-based system is robust against a moderate measurement errors and erroneous initial conditions. If the state estimator is designed from a highly erroneous process model, noisy measurements and approximate initial conditions, the use of estimator together with an online analyzer (for easily measured states) is recommended to achieve an effective control of a reactive distillation system. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.