Question

What are the monomers of bakelite, and how is bakelite prepared from them?

Answer 1

Phenol-formaldehyde resins are synthesised through the reaction of phenol and formaldehyde utilising a basic catalyst. The process entails the production of methylene bridges at the ortho, para, or both ortho and para locations. Thus, a linear or cross-linked polymer known as phenol-formaldehyde resin or Bakelite can be synthesised.

The linear polymer called Novolac is used in paints. Novolac, on heating with formaldehyde, undergoes crosslinking to form an infusible solid mass called Bakelite.