Catalyst compositions, methods of preparation thereof, and processes for alkoxylating alcohols using such catalysts

An alkoxylation process comprising:

• providing a catalyst precursor formed by reacting an alkoxylated alcohol mixture having the general formula:
• R1-0-(CnH2n0)pH I
• wherein R1 is an organic radical containing from about 1 to about 30 carbon atoms, n is 1-3, and p is an integer of from 1-50, with calcium hydroxide, a carboxylic acid, an inorganic acid, and propylene oxide under conditions to propoxylate at least a portion of the alkoxylated alcohols;
• adding an antioxidant to said catalyst precursor to produce an alkoxylation catalyst;
• and
• reacting in the presence of said alkoxylation catalyst a reactant comprising a compound having an active hydrogen atom, and an alkylene oxide under alkoxylation conditions to produce an alkoxylated derivative of said reactant.