Bakelite is a thermosetting plastic which is formed by the reaction of phenol with $\mathrm{H}.\mathrm{CHO}$ in the presence of ${\mathrm{H}}_2{\mathrm{SO}}_4$ (conc).

The reaction occurs as follows:

A cross-linked condensation polymer (at $\mathrm{o}$-and $\mathrm{p}$-position) bakelite is thus produced.