Bakellite is made from phenol and formaldehyde. The initial reaction between two compounds is an example of

Options

A. Aromatic nucleophilic substitution
B. Aromatic electrophilic substitution
C. Free radical substitution reaction
D. Free radical addition reaction

Explanation

To determine the type of reaction that occurs when phenol reacts with formaldehyde to form Bakelite, we can analyze the nature of the reactants and the mechanism involved.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Identify the Reactants**:
- The reactants involved are phenol (C6H5OH) and formaldehyde (CH2O).

2. **Understand the Structure of Phenol**:
- Phenol has a hydroxyl (-OH) group attached to a benzene ring. The benzene ring is an aromatic compound, which influences the type of reactions it can undergo.

3. **Consider the Type of Reaction**:
- When phenol reacts with formaldehyde, we need to identify the nature of the reaction. The options provided are:
- Aromatic nucleophilic substitution
- Aromatic electrophilic substitution
- Free radical substitution reaction
- Free radical addition reaction

4. **Analyze the Mechanism**:
- In the case of phenol, the -OH group is an activating group that increases the electron density of the benzene ring. This makes the ring more susceptible to electrophilic attack.
- Formaldehyde acts as an electrophile in this reaction.

5. **Determine the Type of Substitution**:
- The reaction between phenol and formaldehyde involves the substitution of a hydrogen atom on the benzene ring with a formaldehyde group.
- Since the reaction involves an electrophile (formaldehyde) attacking the aromatic ring, it is classified as an **aromatic electrophilic substitution** reaction.

6. **Conclusion**:
- Therefore, the initial reaction between phenol and formaldehyde to form Bakelite is an example of **aromatic electrophilic substitution**.

### Final Answer:
The correct answer is **aromatic electrophilic substitution**.

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