The most frequently employed alcohols are methanol, ethanol,
and n-butanol. The industrial process is similar to the hydration
of ethylene oxide, the difference being that alkaline catalysts
(such as alkali hydroxide or the corresponding alkali alcoholate)
or A1,0, are usually employed. Despite a large excess of
alcohol, the secondary products di-, tri- and higher ethylene
glycol monoalkyl ethers are generally still formed. Ethylene
glycol monoethyl ether is manufactured at 170- 190°C and
10- 15 bar.