The optimal temperature and catalyst for the synthesis of polyethylene oxide PEO from ethylene oxide EO monomer depend on the specific process and desired properties of the final product. However, some general guidelines can be provided.Catalyst: The most common catalysts used for the synthesis of PEO are alkaline catalysts, such as potassium hydroxide KOH or sodium hydroxide NaOH . These catalysts are effective in initiating the ring-opening polymerization of EO monomers. Other catalysts, like double metal cyanide DMC complexes, have also been used to produce PEO with more controlled molecular weight distribution and lower polydispersity.Temperature: The optimal temperature for the synthesis of PEO can vary depending on the catalyst used and the desired properties of the final product. Generally, the reaction temperature can range from 20C to 150C. Lower temperatures e.g., 20-60C can result in higher molecular weight polymers, while higher temperatures e.g., 100-150C can lead to lower molecular weight polymers with faster reaction rates.The yield and molecular weight of the polymer are affected by the temperature and catalyst as follows:1. Yield: Higher temperatures can increase the reaction rate, leading to a higher yield in a shorter amount of time. However, higher temperatures can also result in side reactions and degradation of the polymer, which may decrease the overall yield. The choice of catalyst can also influence the yield, as some catalysts are more efficient in initiating the polymerization process.2. Molecular weight: The molecular weight of PEO is influenced by the reaction temperature and the catalyst concentration. Lower temperatures and lower catalyst concentrations generally result in higher molecular weight polymers. Conversely, higher temperatures and higher catalyst concentrations can lead to lower molecular weight polymers. The choice of catalyst can also impact the molecular weight distribution and polydispersity of the polymer, with some catalysts e.g., DMC complexes providing more controlled polymerization and narrower molecular weight distributions.In summary, the optimal temperature and catalyst for the synthesis of polyethylene oxide from ethylene oxide monomer depend on the specific process and desired properties of the final product. Alkaline catalysts, such as KOH or NaOH, are commonly used, and the reaction temperature can range from 20C to 150C. These factors can influence the yield and molecular weight of the polymer, with lower temperatures and lower catalyst concentrations generally resulting in higher molecular weight polymers and higher yields.