Explain the prepareation of Bakelite and Give its use.

Explanation

The monomers are phenol and formaldehyde.The polymer is obtained by the condensation polymerization of these monomers in presence of either an acid or a base catalyst.
Phenol reacts with methanal to form ortho or para hydroxyl methylphenols which on further reaction with phenol gives linear polymer called novolac. Novalac on further heating with formaldehyde undergo cross linkages to form Bakelite.

Uses : Navolac is used in paints. Soft bakelites are used for making glue for binding laminated wooden planks and in varinishes, Hard bakelites are used to prepare combs, pens etc..