Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Bakelite is a thermosetting phenol-formaldehyde resin. Its synthesis occurs in two main stages depending on the phenol-to-formaldehyde ratio and the catalyst.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
1. Phenol reacts with formaldehyde in the presence of an acid or base catalyst to form hydroxy-methylphenols.
2. Condensation of these monomers leads to a linear polymer called **Novolac**. Novolac is often used in paints and coatings.
3. When Novolac is further heated with additional formaldehyde (or hexamethylenetetramine), cross-linking occurs between the linear chains.
4. This cross-linked, infusible solid mass is called **Bakelite**.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The polymer is Bakelite.