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Question

Chemistry Question on Polymers

Bakelite is manufactured by using a mixture of

A

phenol and formaldehyde

B

phenol and acetaldehyde

C

ethanol and formaldehyde

D

ethanol and phenol.

Answer

phenol and formaldehyde

Explanation

Solution

Bakelite is formed by condensation polymerisation of phenol and formaldehyde in the presence of either an acid or a base catalyst. The initially formed o- and p-hydroxy methylphenol derivatives further react to form a linear polymer called novolac which on heating with formaldehyde undergoes cross linkage to form an infusible solid called bakelite.