a process for the distillation and condensation of a multi - component liquid is described , the process being characterized by the contacting of a warm portion of the overhead vapor with a cool liquid portion of the overhead to achieve a higher accumulator liquid temperature . in a principal embodiment , a multi - component liquid is distilled , the overhead vapor is separated into major and minor portions , and the bulk of the major portion is condensed . liquid is separated from the remaining vapor of the major portion , and the separated liquid is divided into major and minor fractions . the major fraction of liquid is collected in an accumulation zone , and is contacted in the accumulation zone with at least the bulk of the minor portion of overhead vapor . vapor from the accumulation zone is contacted with the minor fraction of liquid in a contacting zone .