Question:
What are the monomers used to synthesize Bakelite?
What are the monomers used to synthesize Bakelite?
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Bakelite is a thermosetting phenol–formaldehyde resin formed by condensation polymerization between phenol and formaldehyde.
Updated On: Apr 24, 2026
- Ethene and Styrene
- Phenol and Formaldehyde
- Urea and Formaldehyde
- Ethylene glycol and Terephthalic acid
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The Correct Option is B
Solution and Explanation
Concept:
Bakelite is one of the earliest synthetic polymers and belongs to the class of thermosetting plastics. Thermosetting polymers become permanently hard after heating and cannot be remelted. Bakelite is produced through a condensation polymerization reaction between phenol and formaldehyde.
In condensation polymerization, small molecules such as water are eliminated while forming the polymer chain.
Step 1: Identify the monomers involved.
The two monomers that react to form Bakelite are:
• Phenol \((C_6H_5OH)\)
• Formaldehyde \((HCHO)\)
Step 2: Polymer formation mechanism.
Phenol reacts with formaldehyde under acidic or basic conditions to first form intermediate products such as novolac or resol. Further heating and cross-linking of these intermediates produces Bakelite, which is a rigid three-dimensional polymer network. \[ \text{Phenol} + \text{Formaldehyde} \rightarrow \text{Phenol–formaldehyde polymer (Bakelite)} \]
Step 3: Properties and uses.
Due to its strong cross-linked structure, Bakelite has high thermal stability, good electrical insulation properties, and high mechanical strength. Therefore, it is widely used in electrical switches, handles of utensils, and insulating components.
Step 1: Identify the monomers involved.
The two monomers that react to form Bakelite are:
• Phenol \((C_6H_5OH)\)
• Formaldehyde \((HCHO)\)
Step 2: Polymer formation mechanism.
Phenol reacts with formaldehyde under acidic or basic conditions to first form intermediate products such as novolac or resol. Further heating and cross-linking of these intermediates produces Bakelite, which is a rigid three-dimensional polymer network. \[ \text{Phenol} + \text{Formaldehyde} \rightarrow \text{Phenol–formaldehyde polymer (Bakelite)} \]
Step 3: Properties and uses.
Due to its strong cross-linked structure, Bakelite has high thermal stability, good electrical insulation properties, and high mechanical strength. Therefore, it is widely used in electrical switches, handles of utensils, and insulating components.
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