Bakelite is a type of plastic that was the first synthetic plastic to be invented. It was invented by Belgian chemist Leo Baekeland in 1907. Bakelite is a thermosetting plastic, which means that it is formed by a chemical reaction that cannot be reversed. This makes it extremely durable and heat resistant.

Phenol as a starting material for Bakelite

Phenol is an organic compound that is used as a starting material for the production of Bakelite. Phenol is a white crystalline solid that is soluble in water and has a distinctive odor. It is used in a variety of applications, including the production of plastics, resins, and dyes.

Reacting Phenol with Formaldehyde

Bakelite is produced by reacting phenol with formaldehyde. Formaldehyde is a colorless gas that is used in the production of resins, plastics, and textiles. The reaction between phenol and formaldehyde is called a condensation reaction, which involves the elimination of water from two or more molecules. The resulting polymer is a thermosetting plastic that cannot be melted or reshaped once it has been formed.

Advantages of Bakelite

Bakelite has several advantages over other types of plastics. It is extremely durable, heat resistant, and does not conduct electricity. It is also resistant to chemicals and can be molded into a variety of shapes and forms. Bakelite was widely used in the early 20th century for the production of telephones, radios, and electrical insulators.

In conclusion, Bakelite is obtained from phenol by reacting it with formaldehyde. This process produces a thermosetting plastic that is extremely durable and heat resistant. Bakelite has several advantages over other types of plastics and was widely used in the early 20th century for the production of telephones, radios, and electrical insulators.