Why Does Phenolphthalein Change Color?
What Phenolphthalein Is Phenolphthalein is a chemical compound composed of 20 carbon molecules, 14 hydrogen molecules and 4 oxygen molecules. It is mildly acidic and is primarily used as a pH indicator. It is also sometimes used as a laxative, though its laxative effects are harsh and long lasting, so it is generally reserved for serious medical situations. The compound was discovered in 1871 by the renowned German chemist Adolf von Baeyer. Phenolphthalein as a pH Indicator Phenolphthalein is most commonly used in laboratory settings as a pH indicator. The pH scale is a numerical range from zero to 14, in which a pH lower than 7 indicates an acidic compound and a pH higher than 7 indicates an alkaline compound. The pH of a compound is measured using a pH indicator such as litmus paper, the most common pH indicator, which turns red when dipped in acidic solutions and blue when dipped in alkaline solutions. Phenolphthalein works somewhat differently, as it is naturally colorless but turn
