JEE Advanced levelOne or more correct optionsDifficulty 3 of 3pl157
Select all the correct statements about phenol-formaldehyde polymers.
ABakelite softens on heating and can be remoulded repeatedly
BThe chain of bakelite contains ester linkages that are cleaved by water
CNovolac is converted into bakelite by heating with a formaldehyde source such as hexamethylenetetramine
DResole is formed with excess formaldehyde under basic catalysis and contains hydroxymethyl groups
Answer: C, D
Resole (excess HCHO, base) carries −CHX2OH groups and cures by itself; novolac needs added formaldehyde to cure. Bakelite is a thermoset and its links are methylene (and ether) bridges, not esters.