An algorithmic distillation column sequence synthesis procedure for multicomponent azeotropic mixtures is proposed. The synthesis procedure is divided into several stages, and makes use of the feasibility test for classes of splits, as defined by Thong and Jobson (Chem. Eng. Sci. (2001a) submitted), to systematically generate a range of feasible and potentially feasible column sequences for a specified separation requirement. A set of rules is applied to generate a recycle superstructure for every identified sequence. Stream compositions and recycles are then finalised. Column design methods presented in Thong and Jobson (Chem. Eng. Sci. (2001b) submitted) are then applied to every column in the sequence.