A is used in the manufacture of unbreakable crockery. Polymer A is:
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The correct answer is Option (1) → Melamine
The repeating unit shows a triazine ring (six-membered ring of alternate C and N atoms) carrying –NH– groups, linked through –\( \ce{NH-CH2} \)– bridges. This is the melamine–formaldehyde polymer, formed by condensation polymerisation of melamine and formaldehyde. It is a hard thermosetting resin used to make unbreakable crockery.
Why the other options are incorrect
Option (2) Bakelite — Incorrect. It is a phenol–formaldehyde polymer (benzene rings with –OH joined by –\( \ce{CH2} \)–), used for combs, electrical switches and handles of utensils.
Option (3) Novolac — Incorrect. It is the linear phenol–formaldehyde product used in paints; it has no triazine ring.
Option (4) Buna-S — Incorrect. It is a rubber made from 1,3-butadiene and styrene (no nitrogen), used for tyres and footwear.
Note: This question is from the pre-rationalised NCERT book (2022-23). The topic is not there in the latest NCERT book (2026-27), and it is also out of the CUET 2026 syllabus.
NCERT (Pre-rationalised edition, 2022-23):
Melamine – Formaldehyde Polymer – “Melamine formaldehyde polymer is formed by the condensation polymerisation of melamine and formaldehyde.
Melamine + Formaldehyde → Intermediate → Melamine polymer
It is used in the manufacture of unbreakable crockery.”