Abstract
IR spectra show that the initial adsorption product of ethylene oxide on MgO is represented by a σ-coordinated species. This species, in the presence of ethylene oxide excess, undergoes a nucleophilic attack by the O 2− anions of the surface, with formation of “living” chains of polyoxyethylene. Hydroxyl and carboxylate groups plausibly formed in side reactions involving E 2 elimination are also observed. The living polymers are “killed” by exposure to moisture and transformed into polyoxyethylene glycol.
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