Bakelite is prepared by the reaction of phenol with formaldehyde. Which of the following statements accurately describes the intermediate stages of this polymerization process?

Options:

• A: Phenol and formaldehyde undergo direct addition polymerization to form a branched elastomer.
• B: The reaction proceeds via a free-radical mechanism to form a thermoplastic intermediate.
• C: Phenol and formaldehyde react to first form a linear polymer called Novolac, which on heating with formaldehyde undergoes cross-linking to form Bakelite.
• D: Formaldehyde acts as a solvent and does not chemically participate in the backbone.

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