Phenolphathalin Indicator Solution

About Phenolphathalin Indicator Solution

• Formula: CHO
• Appearance: Phenolphthalein itself is a white or yellowish-white to pale orange fine crystalline powder.
• Solubility: Slightly soluble in water, commonly dissolved in alcohol for use as an indicator.
• Acid-Base Behavior: Its a weak acid, meaning it can lose H ions in solution.
• Color Change:
  • Colorless in acidic solutions (pH < 8.5).
  • Pink to deep red in basic solutions (pH > 9.0).
• pH Range: The color change occurs around pH 8.5.

• Acid-Base Titrations: A common use is as an indicator in acid-base titrations, where the pink color indicates the endpoint of the reaction.
• Forensic Science: Used in the Kastle-Meyer test to detect the presence of blood.
• Other Applications: Predicting concrete carbonation depth and as a disappearing dye in magic toys.
• Historical Use: Previously used as a laxative, but banned by the FDA due to cancer concerns in animal studies.

• Cancer Concerns: Animal studies indicated that phenolphthalein may cause cancer, leading to its ban in over-the-counter laxatives.