Ethoxylation of low-molecular alcohols in electric field with acidic and basic catalysts

Ethoxylation of methanol, ethanol and butanol in the electric fields of 50 Hz and 2.45 GHz frequency was investigated. The conversion of oxirane, fractional composition of the obtained ethoxylates, and the byproduct contents were determined. The catalyst affects the electrical parameters of the reactions' medium, which can be used as a convenient tool for the the process control. No additional influence on the reaction path and the products distribution was detected except for the thermal effects of the investigated electric fields. A negative exception exists with the 50 Hz electric field ethoxylation of methanol.