| Abstract: | Gel permeation chromatography (GPC) was used to investigate the course of the sodium hydroxide catalysed methylolation of phenol in dilute aqueous solution. At low concentrations, the initial rate of methylolation was directly proportional to the concentrations of sodium hydroxide and of formaldehyde. By computer integration of the rate equations for the methylolation of phenol, of 2-methylol phenol and of 4-methylol phenol, the experimental rate curves were simulated and optimal values for the rate constants of all the methylolation steps were obtained. |
