Question

One of the earliest, and still one of the most important, polymers is the material known as Bakelite, which is a condensation polymer of phenol, \(\mathrm{C}_{6} \mathrm{H}_{5} \mathrm{OH},\) and formaldehyde, \(\mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{C}=\mathrm{O} .\) Formaldehyde will react with phenol to produce the following compounds when the ratio is 1: 1 : 51. One of the earliest, and still one of the most important, polymers is the material known as Bakelite, which is a condensation polymer of phenol, \(\mathrm{C}_{6} \mathrm{H}_{5} \mathrm{OH},\) and formaldehyde, \(\mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{C}=\mathrm{O} .\) Formaldehyde will react with phenol to produce the following compounds when the ratio is 1: 1 :

Short answer

Answer: When phenol and formaldehyde react in a 1:1 ratio, the compound C6H5OCH2OH is produced.

Step-by-step solution

Write the balanced chemical equation

In order to understand the reaction between phenol and formaldehyde, we need to write the balanced chemical equation. We know that phenol has the chemical formula C6H5OH and formaldehyde has the chemical formula H2C=O. The balanced chemical equation for the reaction of phenol and formaldehyde is: C6H5OH + H2C=O → C6H5OCH2OH

Identify the products

Now that we have the balanced chemical equation, we can identify the products formed in this reaction when the ratio of phenol to formaldehyde is 1:1. In this case, the reaction will produce the compound C6H5OCH2OH. This compound is an intermediate molecule that can further react and continue to polymerize, eventually forming Bakelite. However, for the given ratio of 1:1, only this intermediate compound would be formed.

Key concepts

Condensation Polymers

Condensation polymers, such as Bakelite, are large molecules formed by the chemical combination of monomers through a process known as condensation polymerization. This process typically involves the elimination of a small molecule, like water or alcohol, as the polymer chain grows. It's termed 'condensation' because of the condensing effect on the size of the chemical – a larger molecule is formed while smaller ones are removed.

These types of polymers are found in many everyday materials and have a variety of uses due to their typically strong and durable nature. They're called 'thermosetting polymers' as well, meaning once they are formed and set, they do not melt with the application of heat, making them ideal for heat-resistant products like electrical insulators and kitchenware.

Phenol-Formaldehyde Reaction

The phenol-formaldehyde reaction is a key step in the formation of Bakelite and is a classic example of condensation polymerization. Phenol (C6H5OH), a white crystalline solid with a distinctive odor known for its use in disinfectants and antiseptics, reacts with formaldehyde (H2C=O), a colorless gas used in producing various resins and plastics.

During this reaction, phenol and formaldehyde undergo a series of transformations. Initially, they form an intermediate molecule that has the ability to link with other similar molecules. This linking, or polymerization, continues, building up a large networked structure that is the actual Bakelite polymer. The properties of the final product can be tailored by controlling the conditions of the reaction, such as temperature, pH, and the use of catalysts or additives.

Chemical Equations

Chemical equations play an essential role in understanding reactions like those involved in the production of Bakelite. They provide an at-a-glance representation of the substances involved in a chemical reaction — the reactants and products — and the proportion in which they react, known as stoichiometry.

A balanced chemical equation obeys the law of conservation of mass. That is, the number of each type of atom is the same on both sides of the equation. In the synthesis of Bakelite, the equation provided in the exercise indicates a 1:1 ratio of phenol to formaldehyde, leading to the initial formation of an intermediate. To build a full understanding of this synthesis and the resulting polymerization, a series of equations may be needed to depict the complex series of reactions that extend beyond this initial step.