The polymerization of some ethylene oxides by the diethylzinc-water system

A kinetic study of the polymerization of several monosubstituted ethylene oxides by the diethylzinc-water system is described. The results are discussed in terms of possible mechanisms, and it is concluded that steric factors probably play a dominant role in determining the rate of polymerization. The polymerization of styrene oxide appears to be of a rather different character from that of the alkyl substituted ethylene oxides.