Polyoxybenzylmethylenglycolanhydride, better known as Bakelite ( BAY-kə-lyte), is a thermosetting phenol formaldehyde resin, formed from a condensation reaction of phenol with formaldehyde. It was the first plastic made from synthetic components, and was developed by the Belgian chemist Leo Baekeland in Yonkers, New York, in 1907.

Bakelite was patented on December 7, 1909 (U.S. Patent 942699A).

Because of its electrical nonconductivity and heat-resistant properties it became a great commercial success. It was used in electrical insulators, radio and telephone casings, and such diverse products as kitchenware, jewelry, pipe stems, children's toys, and firearms. The "retro" appeal of old Bakelite products has made them collectible.

The creation of a synthetic plastic was revolutionary for the chemical industry, which at that time made most of its income from cloth dyes and explosives. The commercial success of Bakelite inspired the industry to pour money into developing other synthetic plastics. In recognition of its significance as the world's first synthetic plastic, which transformed the chemical industry, Bakelite was designated a National Historic Chemical Landmark on November 9, 1993, by the American Chemical Society.