Aq. solns. of Al(NO3)(3) and Mg(NO3)(2) were treated with solns. of Na or K carbonates at pH 9-10 under stirring to ppt. a mixt. of Al2O3 and MgO used after drying and calcination as catalysts for oxyethylation of Me laurate with oxirane. The Al/Mg ratio in the catalyst bulk varied in the range 0.16-0.58 (ay. 0.2) and the alk. metal content in the range 0.78-10.6%. The increase in alk. metal content resulted in an increase of ester conversion and narrowing of the ethoxylate chain length distribution.