Performance of input-output linearizing (IOL) controllers suffers due to constraints on input and output variables. This problem is successfully tackled by augmenting IOL controllers with quadratic dynamic matrix controller (QDMC). However, this has created a constraint-mapping problem for coupled MIMO systems like distillation column. A multi-objective optimization problem needs to be solved to map the constraints on inputs. A suitable transformation technique is proposed to convert this multi-objective optimization problem to a single objective one. This makes the controller less computationally intensive and easy to implement. This controller (IOL-QDMC) along with nonlinear observer is implemented on a binary distillation column for dual composition control. Its performance is evaluated against a quadratic dynamic matrix controller (QDMC) and input-output linearization with PI controller (IOL-PI). (C) 2006 Published by Elsevier Ltd.