We demonstrate the applicability of a new reactive distillation configuration, i.e. reactive distillation with side draw, for certain industrially important reactions. For the reacting systems which involve products with intermediate volatility, a side draw facilitates its in situ removal and enhances either conversion or selectivity. It further reduces the downstream processing in some cases. The concept is proved for three representative systems, viz. esterification of lactic acid, aldol condensation of acetone and for esterification of fatty acid by methanol. Experimental proof is also provided in some cases. (c) 2009 Published by Elsevier B.V.