Question

Bakelite ${({\mathrm{C}}_6{\mathrm{H}}_6\mathrm{O}-{\mathrm{CH}}_2\mathrm{OH})}_{\mathrm{n}}$ is obtained from phenol by reacting with

• A. ${\left({\mathrm{CH}}_2\mathrm{OH}\right)}_2$
• B. ${\mathrm{CH}}_3\mathrm{CHO}$
• C. ${\mathrm{CH}}_3{\mathrm{COCH}}_3$
• D. $\mathrm{HCHO}$

Answer 1

The correct option is D

$\mathrm{HCHO}$

The explanation for the correct option:

(D) $\mathrm{HCHO}$

• Phenol and formaldehyde are the monomers used to create the polymer known as bakelite. This thermosetting polymer is a phenol-formaldehyde resin.
• The polymer generated via the polymerization of phenol and formaldehyde is known commercially as bakelite.
• These are among the oldest synthetic polymers produced by humans.
• Formaldehyde is made to react with phenol.
• The reactants phenol and formaldehyde react in an acidic or basic medium to form ortho and para hydroxymethyl phenols. Therefore, formaldehyde is the correct option.
• The preparation of bakelite:

The explanation for the incorrect option:

(A) ${\left({\mathrm{CH}}_2\mathrm{OH}\right)}_2$

• Ethylene glycol cannot be used to prepare bakelite. So, this is an incorrect option.

(B) ${\mathrm{CH}}_3\mathrm{CHO}$

• Acetaldehyde cannot be used to prepare bakelite. So, this is an incorrect option.

(C) ${\mathrm{CH}}_3{\mathrm{COCH}}_3$

• Acetone cannot be used to prepare bakelite. So, this is an incorrect option.

Hence, the correct option is (D) $\mathrm{HCHO}$.