What happens when excess of phenol is treated with formaldehyde in the presence of acid or alkali?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The correct answer is option 1. Bakelite is formed.
When phenol is treated with formaldehyde in the presence of an acid or an alkali, a polymerization reaction occurs, leading to the formation of a phenol-formaldehyde resin. Depending on the conditions, this can result in the formation of various products, including linear or cross-linked polymers.
Thus, when an excess of phenol is treated with formaldehyde in the presence of an acid or alkali, the product formed is: Bakelite is formed
This thermosetting plastic is highly cross-linked, durable, and resistant to heat and chemicals, making it one of the earliest synthetic polymers used in industrial applications.