Liquid octa 2-lower alkoxy ethoxides of aluminum and (magnesium or calcium)

The method for forming an oxide of magnesium or calcium and aluminum which comprises reacting magnesium or calcium and aluminum with a stoichiometric excess of a compound of the formula R--O--CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --O--H wherein the ratio of the gram atoms of aluminum to maganesium or calcium is about 2:1 or less for a time sufficient to form a reaction mass containing a compound of the formula MAl.sub.2 (O--CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --O--R).sub.8 wherein M is Ca or Mg and R is a C.sub.1 to C.sub.4 alkyl, combining the reaction mass as above with at least about 6 moles of water per mole of said MAl.sub.2 (O--CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --O--R).sub.8 compound so as to precipitate a hydrolyzed product, separating said excess of said R--O--CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --O--H compound from said reaction mass, and heating said hydrolyzed product at a temperature and for a time sufficient to dry said product and remove residual carbon moieties but at a temperature less than about 700.degree. C. so as to form an anhydrous, amorphous, particulate product of the formula CaAl.sub.2 O.sub.4 or MgAl.sub.2 O.sub.4.