Discover Bakelite 's structure, preparation, and vital uses. Grasp core concepts easily with Vedantu’s expert-guided insights. What is Bakelite Plastic? Bakelite , a chemically resilient and non-melting plastic, was formed by blending phenol and formaldehyde, known as phenol-formaldehyde resin, obtained from coal tar and methanol, respectively, during that era. Discover Bakelite 's history, properties, and uses in electronics and automotive. Learn its significance in electrical insulation. Bakelite is a thermosetting phenol-formaldehyde resin that was developed by Belgian-American chemist Leo Baekeland in 1907. Bakelite is a cross-linked condensation copolymer that is prepared by a condensation reaction of phenol with formaldehyde in the presence of either acid or base catalyst. Preparation of Bakelite The reaction begins with the formation of o- and p-hydroxymethyl phenol derivatives which further react with phenol to form compounds containing rings joined to each other ...
