What is Phenolphthalein?

Phenolphthalein is a chemical indicator, it is a weak acid and belongs to the class of dyes known as phthalein dyes. It is synthesized from phthalic anhydride and two equivalents of phenol under acidic conditions. Phenolphthalein is also known for its use as a pH indicator and laboratory reagent. It is also used as a laxative, although its use in this capacity has decreased due to safety concerns.

Phenolphthalein Molecular Formula C20H14O4
Phenolphthalein Molecular Weight/ Molar Mass 318.32 g/mol
Phenolphthalein Density 1.277 g/cm3
Phenolphthalein Appearence White Powder
Phenolphthalein Melting Point 258–263 °C

Phenolphthalein in Acid

Phenolphthalein in acid is colourless.

Phenolphthalein in Base

Phenolphthalein in base turns to pink color.

Phenolphthalein(C20H14O4) Formula

Phenolphthalein is a chemical compound whichhas 20 carbon atom, 14 hydrogen atom, and 4 oxygen atom, and it has the formula,

Chemical Formula of Phenophthalein: C20H14O4

Phenolphthalein(C20H14O4) Structure

Phenolphthalein has a complex structure and it has three benzene ring and its structure is added in the image below,

  • It contains a phenyl group, which is an aromatic hydrocarbon, bonded to a phthalate group, which is a plasticizer.
  • Phenolphthalein molecule has three hexagonal structures, one pentagonal structure, two alcoholic groups, and one ketone group.
  • Carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen chains form the structure of Phenolphthalein.

Phenolphthalein – C20H14O4

Phenolphthalein (C20H14O4) is an organic chemical compound often used as an indicator in acid-base titrations. It is slightly soluble in water and usually is dissolved in alcohol in experiments. It is a weak acid and belongs to the phthalein dyes class. Phenolphthalein is colorless below pH 8.5 and attains a pink to deep red hue above pH 9.0.

In this article, we will look into What is Phenolphthalein, Phenolphthalein Formula, Phenolphthalein Structure, Uses of Phenolphthalein, and others in detail.

Table of Content

  • What is Phenolphthalein?
  • Properties(C20H14O4) of Phenolphthalein
  • Phenolphthalein Test
  • Uses of Phenolphthalein

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What is Phenolphthalein?

Phenolphthalein is a chemical indicator, it is a weak acid and belongs to the class of dyes known as phthalein dyes. It is synthesized from phthalic anhydride and two equivalents of phenol under acidic conditions. Phenolphthalein is also known for its use as a pH indicator and laboratory reagent. It is also used as a laxative, although its use in this capacity has decreased due to safety concerns....

Properties(C20H14O4) of Phenolphthalein

Various properties of Phenolphthalein are added in the table below,...

Phenolphthalein Test

Phenolphthalein test is a presumptive test used for the identification of blood. It is based on the catalytic peroxidase-like activity of the heme group in hemoglobin, which is present in red blood cells. In the presence of hydrogen peroxide, this peroxidase-like activity catalyzes the oxidation of Phenolphthalin, a colorless compound, into Phenolphthalein, which is pink in color. The test is conducted on suspected bloodstains before collection....

Uses of Phenolphthalein

Phenolphthalein is an organic compound with various applications, including:...

Frequently Asked Questions on Phenolphthalein

What is Phenolphthalein Used for?...