Phenol-Formaldehyde Polymer
A four-photo sequence: A hand uses a stir rod to stir a clear liquid in a beaker. In the second photo, a hand uses a stir rod in the liquid with a white upper layer in the liquid in the beaker. In the third photo, the mixture is pink with dark pink layers on the right side of the beaker. In the fourth photo, a hand uses the stir rod to lift a red-pink solid from the pink mixture in the beaker.
Description: A mixture of formaldehyde, phenol, and acetic acid is strongly acidified. In moments, the mixture turns pink and solidifies. This demonstration is usually performed in a hood.
Source: Shakhashiri, B.Z. Chemical Demonstrations: A Handbook for Teachers of Chemistry
Year: 1983 Vol: 1 Page: 219
Keywords: Polymers, Phenol, Formaldehyde, Plastics, Bakelite
Rating: 
Hazard: High
- Flammable liquids
- Acute toxicity – oral, respiratory, dermal
- Skin corrosion hazard
- Serious eye damage
- Skin sensitization
- Mutagenicity
- Carcinogenicity
- Short term aquatic hazard
- Corrosive to metals
- Specific organ toxicity – nervous system, kidney, skin
- Aquatic toxicity – short and long term
Effectiveness: Good
- Results are clearly observable without guidance
- Good connection from demo to course material
- Strong effects are seen by audience
- Time to results is low
- Good reliability
Difficulty: High
- Use of flammable and toxic reagents
- Sequential manipulations required
- Some intermediate steps to results
- Demos that require training or practice to perform correctly
- Timed or situational manipulations
Safety Precautions:
- Eye protection required
- Gloves required
- Face shield recommended
- Protective clothing recommended
- Downdraft hood required for indoor performance
- ABC fire extinguisher on hand
- Absorbent materials on hand
- Avoid inhalation or contact with reagents
- Prevent release of reagents to the environment
Class: Organic Chemistry
Division: General, Organic Chemistry
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