Poly(ethylene oxide) (poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl) is rapidly oxidized by hydroxyl (HO.) and hydroperoxyl (HO2.) radicals generated by photolysis of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) or by the catalytic decomposition of H2O2 by metallic silver. This process is accompanied by a chain scission during which the molecular weight decreases and the polydispersity changes. As a result of this process, the crystalline structure of poly(ethylene oxide) disappears, and the polymer becomes completely amorphous.