The above compounds A on heating with formaldehyde forms an infusible solid mass. Identify the compound A.

Question

TestHub · Accepted Answer

* The given structure represents a linear polymer of phenol and formaldehyde linked via $- C H_{2} -$ groups, which is known as Novolac.

* When Novolac is heated with additional formaldehyde, it undergoes extensive cross-linking between the polymer chains.

* This cross-linking creates a rigid, three-dimensional network structure.

* The resulting highly cross-linked polymer is Bakelite, an infusible solid mass.

* Therefore, the starting material Compound A is Novolac.

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