Preferred reaction pathways in the base-catalysed synthesis of phenolic resole resins

Phenol-formaldehyde resins (P/F ratio 1/1.75) were synthesized using paraform and 97% phenol as reactants under the influence of a basic catalyst (0.5 mole catalyst/mole phenol). Three catalysts (i) sodium hydroxide, (ii) barium hydroxide, (iii) triethylamine were used to monitor the effect that the chemical nature of the catalyst had on the course of the reaction. [Continues.]