PHENOL FORMALDEHYDE

Aim: To prepare phenol formaldehyde resin (Bakelite)

Theory:
Phenolic resins are condensation polymerization products of phenolic derivative with
aldehydes. Bakelite is rigid, hard water resistant, resistive towards acids but not towards
bases. It is prepared by condensation polymerization of phenol with formaldehyde in
presence of acidic/ alkaline catalyst. The structure of phenol formaldehyde resin is:
OH

OH
CH 2 OH
HOH 2 C
2HCHO

+ HCHO
Phenol

OH

Formaldehyde

O-hydroxy methyl phenol

CH 2 OH

CH 2 OH
2,4,6 trihydroxy methyl phenol

OH

OH
HOH 2 C

OH

CH 2 OH

HOH 2 C

OH
CH 2

H2O

+
CH 2 OH

CH 2 OH

2,4,6 trihydroxy methyl phenol

Phenol

OH
HOH 2 C
OH

CH 2 OH

OH
H2O
CH 2

CH 2

CH 2 OH
CH 2

CH 2
OH

OH
Bakelite

Apparatus:
Beaker, glass rod, measuring cylinder, funnel, filter paper.

Reagents:
Glacial acetic acid, formaldehyde solution, conc. HCl solution. Phenol.

Procedure:
Take 2 gm of Phenol in a beaker and add 5 ml of glacial acetic acid to it.
Add 3 ml of formaldehyde solution to the above solution with continuous stirring.
Warp a cloth loosely round the beaker and add 10 ml of conc. HCl to it carefully.
Stir the above solution and slightly heat it. Very shortly within few minutes, a large mass
of pink plastic is formed.
The residue obtained is washed several times with distilled water, and filtered product is
dried and yield is obtained.

Result:
The yield of phenol formaldehyde solution is comes out to be .gm.

Precautions: Since it is a vigorous reaction so add HCl very slowly and carefully.
It is better to be little away from beaker during addition of HCl.

First aid measures:

Conc. HCl:
Inhalation:
Remove to fresh air. If not breathing, give artificial respiration. If breathing is difficult,
give oxygen. Get medical attention immediately.
Ingestion:
DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING! Give large quantities of water or milk if available. Never
give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. Get medical attention immediately.
Skin Contact:
In case of contact, immediately flush skin with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes
while removing contaminated clothing and shoes. Wash clothing before reuse.

Thoroughly clean shoes before reuse. Get medical attention immediately.

Eye Contact:
Immediately flush eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, lifting lower and
upper eyelids occasionally. Get medical attention immediately.
Phenol:
Eye Contact:
Check for and remove any contact lenses. In case of contact, immediately flush eyes
with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes. Cold water may be used. Get medical
attention immediately.
Skin Contact:
In case of contact, immediately flush skin with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes
while removing contaminated clothing and shoes. Cover the irritated skin with an
emollient. Cold water may be used. Wash clothing before reuse. Thoroughly clean
shoes before reuse. Get medical attention immediately.
Serious Skin Contact:
Wash with a disinfectant soap and cover the contaminated skin with an anti-bacterial
cream. Seek immediate medical attention.
Inhalation:
If inhaled, remove to fresh air. If not breathing, give artificial respiration. If breathing is
difficult, give oxygen. Get medical attention immediately.
Ingestion:
If swallowed, do not induce vomiting unless directed to do so by medical personnel.
Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. Loosen tight clothing such as
a collar, tie, belt or waistband. Get medical attention immediately.
Formaldehyde:
Eye Contact:
Check for and remove any contact lenses. Immediately flush eyes with running water for
at least 15 minutes, keeping eyelids open. Cold water may be used. Get medical
attention immediately.
Skin Contact:
In case of contact, immediately flush skin with plenty of water. Cover the irritated skin
with an emollient. Remove contaminated clothing and shoes. Cold water may be
used.Wash clothing before reuse. Thoroughly clean shoes before reuse. Get medical
attention.
Inhalation:
If inhaled, remove to fresh air. If not breathing, give artificial respiration. If breathing is
difficult, give oxygen. Get medical attention immediately.