Phenol-methanal polymerisiation

Four yellow patterned dominoes made from Bakelite, face down on a white surface

Source: © Shutterstock

Make Bakelite in class and investigate its properties using phenol, methanal and ethanoic acid in this demonstration. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

In this experiment, students observe as phenol is dissolved in a mixture of aqueous methanal and ethanoic acid in a throwaway container. Acidification of this solution initiates condensation polymerisation, and a pink thermosetting polymer is formed within a few minutes.

Thanks for using the RSC’s education resources. You can view one resource per month as a visitor, or two resources per month when you’re logged in with a personal account.

A photograph of a teacher standing in a white lab coat, speaking with a class of children in a laboratory, is superimposed on a colourful background. Text reads "Teach Chemistry means support for classroom and staff room".

Register for Teach Chemistry for free, unlimited access

Registration is open to all teachers and technicians at secondary schools, colleges and teacher training institutions in the UK and Ireland.

Get all this, plus much more: 

unlimited access to resources, core practical videos and Education in Chemistry articles
teacher well-being toolkit, personal development resources and online assessments
applications for funding to support your lessons

Set up your Teach Chemistry account

Already a Teach Chemistry member? Sign in now.

Not a science teacher or technician based in the UK or Ireland? Don’t worry – you can also access all our resources with Royal Society of Chemistry membership.