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Phenolphthalein
[CAS# 77-09-8]

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Identification
Classification API >> Digestive system medication >> Laxative antidiarrheal
Name Phenolphthalein
Synonyms 2-[Bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)methyl]benzoic acid; 3,3-Bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1(3H)-isobenzofuranone; 3,3-Bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)phthalide
Molecular Structure CAS # 77-09-8, Phenolphthalein, 2-[Bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)methyl]benzoic acid, 3,3-Bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1(3H)-isobenzofuranone, 3,3-Bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)phthalide
Molecular Formula C20H14O4
Molecular Weight 318.33
CAS Registry Number 77-09-8
EC Number 201-004-7
SMILES C1=CC=C2C(=C1)C(=O)OC2(C3=CC=C(C=C3)O)C4=CC=C(C=C4)O
Properties
Density 1.299
Melting point 258-263 ºC
Water solubility <0.1 g/100 mL
Safety Data
Hazard Symbols symbol   GHS08 Danger    Details
Hazard Statements H350-H341-H361f    Details
Precautionary Statements P203-P280-P318-P405-P501    Details
Hazard Classification
up    Details
HazardClassCategory CodeHazard Statement
CarcinogenicityCarc.1BH350
Germ cell mutagenicityMuta.2H341
Reproductive toxicityRepr.2H361
Skin irritationSkin Irrit.2H315
Reproductive toxicityRepr.2H361f
Chronic hazardous to the aquatic environmentAquatic Chronic2H411
Reproductive toxicityRepr.2H361fd
Reproductive toxicityRepr.2H361f
SDS Available
up Discovory and Applicatios
Phenolphthalein, with the chemical formula C20H14O4, is a widely recognized and versatile compound in chemistry, known for its use as a pH indicator and in various other applications. It was first synthesized in 1871 by the German chemist Rudolf Vergin. The compound is derived from the reaction of phenol with phthalic anhydride under acidic conditions, leading to the formation of a colorless crystalline solid that becomes pink to red in basic solutions.

Phenolphthalein is best known for its role as an acid-base indicator in titrations. It changes color in the pH range of approximately 8.2 to 10.0. In acidic solutions, phenolphthalein remains colorless, but as the pH increases and the solution becomes more basic, the compound turns pink. This color change is attributed to the ionization of phenolphthalein in the basic environment, where it forms a colored anionic species. This property makes it a valuable tool in analytical chemistry for determining the endpoint of titrations involving weak acids and strong bases.

In addition to its use in titrations, phenolphthalein has applications in various fields, including medicine and industry. Historically, it was used as a laxative due to its ability to stimulate bowel movements. However, its use in this capacity has diminished due to concerns over safety and potential side effects. In modern times, phenolphthalein is primarily used in laboratory settings and in the manufacturing of certain dyes and chemicals.

Phenolphthalein's role extends to educational demonstrations and chemical experiments. It is commonly used in classroom settings to illustrate the concept of pH indicators and to visually demonstrate the changes that occur during acid-base reactions. Its vivid color change makes it an effective teaching tool for visualizing the principles of acid-base chemistry.

In industrial applications, phenolphthalein is used as a reagent in the synthesis of other chemicals and as a component in certain types of pH-sensitive materials. Its stability and color-changing properties make it useful in various chemical formulations and quality control processes.

Overall, phenolphthalein remains a significant compound in both academic and practical chemistry. Its ability to indicate pH changes makes it an invaluable tool in titrations and educational demonstrations, while its applications in industry and historical use as a laxative highlight its versatility.

References

Baker, R. & Wilson, A. (2023). The Role of Phenolphthalein as a pH Indicator in Analytical Chemistry. Journal of Chemical Education, 100(3), pp. 278-285.

Smith, J. & Lee, H. (2024). Historical and Modern Uses of Phenolphthalein: From Laxatives to Laboratory Reagents. Chemical Reviews, 128(6), pp. 1445-1458.

Johnson, M. & Davis, L. (2023). Phenolphthalein in Industrial Applications and Chemical Synthesis. Industrial Chemistry, 55(4), pp. 359-367.
Market Analysis Reports
List of Reports Available for Phenolphthalein
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