The synthesis of polyethylene oxide PEO , also known as polyethylene glycol PEG , from ethylene oxide EO monomer is typically carried out via a ring-opening polymerization reaction. The reaction is catalyzed by either acidic or basic catalysts, such as sulfuric acid, potassium hydroxide, or boron trifluoride. The optimal temperature and pressure conditions for this reaction depend on the specific catalyst and reaction system used.Generally, the reaction is carried out at moderate temperatures and pressures. For example, when using a basic catalyst like potassium hydroxide, the reaction temperature is typically in the range of 50-100C, and the pressure is kept close to atmospheric pressure 1 atm or 101.3 kPa . When using an acidic catalyst like boron trifluoride, the reaction temperature can be slightly higher, in the range of 100-150C, and the pressure can be increased to around 5-10 atm 507-1013 kPa .As the temperature increases, the reaction rate usually increases as well. This is because higher temperatures provide more energy for the reactants, allowing them to overcome the activation energy barrier more easily and increasing the frequency of successful collisions between the reactant molecules. However, there is a limit to this effect, as excessively high temperatures can lead to side reactions, catalyst deactivation, or even degradation of the polymer.The effect of pressure on the reaction rate is less straightforward. In general, increasing the pressure can lead to an increase in the reaction rate, as it results in a higher concentration of reactants, which in turn increases the frequency of successful collisions between the reactant molecules. However, the effect of pressure on the reaction rate is often less significant than the effect of temperature, and the optimal pressure for the reaction will depend on the specific reaction system and catalyst used.In summary, the optimal temperature and pressure conditions for the synthesis of polyethylene oxide from ethylene oxide monomer depend on the specific catalyst and reaction system used. Generally, the reaction is carried out at moderate temperatures 50-150C and pressures 1-10 atm . The reaction rate typically increases with increasing temperature and, to a lesser extent, increasing pressure. However, excessively high temperatures and pressures can lead to side reactions, catalyst deactivation, or polymer degradation.