During the curing of Novolac to form Bakelite, extensive cross-linking occurs. In the highly idealiz — Polymers Chemistry Question
Question
During the curing of Novolac to form Bakelite, extensive cross-linking occurs. In the highly idealized 3D structure of Bakelite, the phenolic rings are joined together by simple bridging groups derived from formaldehyde. How many carbon atoms are present in exactly one of these bridging groups connecting two separate phenolic rings?
Answer: 1
💡 Solution & Explanation
The reaction of formaldehyde ($HCHO$) with phenol yields hydroxymethyl derivatives, which upon condensation eliminate water and form methylene bridges ($-CH_2-$) connecting the aromatic rings. A single methylene bridge contains exactly 1 carbon atom.
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