Draw the curved-arrow mechanism for the
acid-catalyzed ring-opening oligomerization (n = 3) of
2-ethyloxirane. Draw the mechanism, intermediates, and product to
show the same regioselectivity as acid-catalyzed, monomeric epoxide
ring openings. In the first step, 2-ethyloxirane is treated with
acid. The resulting compound reacts with another molecule of
2-ethyloxirane (step 2), and then another molecule of
2-ethyloxirane (step 3). Methanol is then added to terminate the
polymerization (steps 4 and 5). When given the choice, draw the
arrows that lead to the resonance structures with full octets
around each atom other than hydrogen. Draw all atoms, electrons,
and charges, if necessary, on all structures; do not show any
inorganic byproducts or counterions. Reagents needed for each step
are provided in the boxes. Ignore stereochemistry.