Phenolphthalein (CAS: 77-09-8) is a versatile compound used widely in both scientific and industrial fields. It appears as a white or pale yellow powder and is renowned for its use as an acid-base indicator and a stimulant laxative. This organic compound, with a molecular formula of C20H14O4, is non-soluble in water but dissolves in alcohol and alkali solutions.
As an acid-base indicator, phenolphthalein is employed in laboratories to identify pH levels. It changes color from colorless in acidic solutions to red in alkaline conditions. In the pharmaceutical industry, phenolphthalein serves as a stimulant laxative to promote bowel movements by stimulating intestinal muscles.
Additionally, phenolphthalein plays an important role in organic synthesis, particularly for creating high-performance polymers used in electronics, aerospace, and military applications due to its excellent chemical resistance. Despite its broad range of uses, care should be taken when handling phenolphthalein, as it can cause skin irritation and has potential toxicity.
| Product Name | Phenolphthalein |
| Synonyms | Phenolphthalein solution; 3,3-bis(p-hydroxyphenyl)phthalide; ,3-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1(3H)-isobenzofuranore; 3,3-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-benzofuran-1(3H)-one; 2-[bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)methyl]benzoic acid; Phenolphthalien |
| Molecular Formula | C20H14O4 |
| Molecular Weight | 318.3287 |
| CAS Reg;istry Number | 77-09-8 |
| Molecular Structure | |
| Product Application | Used as a litmus indicator, it is a stimulant laxative employed in the treatment of constipation. |
| Appearance | White powder |
| Color | White to yellow-white |
| Density | 1.299 g/cm³ |
| Melting Point | 258–263°C |
| Solubility | Insoluble in water, soluble in ethanol and ether |
| Stability | Stable; incompatible with strong oxidizing agents and alkalies |
| Molecular Formula | C20H14O4 |
| Boiling Point | Approx. 417.49°C |
Solubility: Dissolves in ethanol and alkali solutions, but not in water.
Color Change: Transitions from colorless in acidic solutions to red in alkaline conditions.
Melting Point: Typically between 258–263°C.
Density: 1.299 g/cm³ at 32°C.
Boiling Point: Approximately 417.49°C.
Reactivity: Stable under normal conditions; should be kept away from strong oxidizers and alkalis.
Reliable Indicator: Widely used for accurate pH testing and titrations in labs.
Effective Laxative: Stimulates the intestines, helping relieve constipation.
High-Performance Materials: Used in the creation of durable polymers for demanding applications.
Versatile Reagent: Essential in organic synthesis for various industrial uses.
Laboratories: Used for acid-base titration, providing clear color transitions to indicate pH levels.
Pharmaceuticals: Applied in medicinal formulations as a stimulant laxative to treat constipation.
Industry: Essential in manufacturing heat-resistant polymers for sectors like electronics, aerospace, and military.
Agriculture: Utilized for pH management and chemical analysis in industrial and agricultural processes.
Skin Irritant: May cause irritation on contact with skin.
Toxicity: Handle with care as ingestion or improper handling may lead to toxic effects.
Protection: Always use appropriate protective gear such as gloves, goggles, and masks when working with phenolphthalein.
Regulated Use: Should be handled following established safety guidelines, especially in pharmaceutical applications.
What is phenolphthalein used for?
It is primarily used as an acid-base indicator and a stimulant laxative.
Is phenolphthalein soluble in water?
No, phenolphthalein is insoluble in water but can dissolve in alcohol and alkali solutions.
Can phenolphthalein be used in industrial applications?
Yes, it is used in the production of polymers and for pH control in various industrial applications.
How should phenolphthalein be handled?
Protective equipment should be worn to prevent contact with skin and eyes. Use in a well-ventilated space.
Does phenolphthalein cause side effects?
It can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions. It should be used with caution, especially in medical formulations.
For more information on other chemicals, visit Trust International - Other Chemicals.
Phenolphthalein (CAS: 77-09-8) is a versatile compound used widely in both scientific and industrial fields. It appears as a white or pale yellow powder and is renowned for its use as an acid-base indicator and a stimulant laxative. This organic compound, with a molecular formula of C20H14O4, is non-soluble in water but dissolves in alcohol and alkali solutions.
As an acid-base indicator, phenolphthalein is employed in laboratories to identify pH levels. It changes color from colorless in acidic solutions to red in alkaline conditions. In the pharmaceutical industry, phenolphthalein serves as a stimulant laxative to promote bowel movements by stimulating intestinal muscles.
Additionally, phenolphthalein plays an important role in organic synthesis, particularly for creating high-performance polymers used in electronics, aerospace, and military applications due to its excellent chemical resistance. Despite its broad range of uses, care should be taken when handling phenolphthalein, as it can cause skin irritation and has potential toxicity.
| Product Name | Phenolphthalein |
| Synonyms | Phenolphthalein solution; 3,3-bis(p-hydroxyphenyl)phthalide; ,3-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1(3H)-isobenzofuranore; 3,3-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-benzofuran-1(3H)-one; 2-[bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)methyl]benzoic acid; Phenolphthalien |
| Molecular Formula | C20H14O4 |
| Molecular Weight | 318.3287 |
| CAS Reg;istry Number | 77-09-8 |
| Molecular Structure | |
| Product Application | Used as a litmus indicator, it is a stimulant laxative employed in the treatment of constipation. |
| Appearance | White powder |
| Color | White to yellow-white |
| Density | 1.299 g/cm³ |
| Melting Point | 258–263°C |
| Solubility | Insoluble in water, soluble in ethanol and ether |
| Stability | Stable; incompatible with strong oxidizing agents and alkalies |
| Molecular Formula | C20H14O4 |
| Boiling Point | Approx. 417.49°C |
Solubility: Dissolves in ethanol and alkali solutions, but not in water.
Color Change: Transitions from colorless in acidic solutions to red in alkaline conditions.
Melting Point: Typically between 258–263°C.
Density: 1.299 g/cm³ at 32°C.
Boiling Point: Approximately 417.49°C.
Reactivity: Stable under normal conditions; should be kept away from strong oxidizers and alkalis.
Reliable Indicator: Widely used for accurate pH testing and titrations in labs.
Effective Laxative: Stimulates the intestines, helping relieve constipation.
High-Performance Materials: Used in the creation of durable polymers for demanding applications.
Versatile Reagent: Essential in organic synthesis for various industrial uses.
Laboratories: Used for acid-base titration, providing clear color transitions to indicate pH levels.
Pharmaceuticals: Applied in medicinal formulations as a stimulant laxative to treat constipation.
Industry: Essential in manufacturing heat-resistant polymers for sectors like electronics, aerospace, and military.
Agriculture: Utilized for pH management and chemical analysis in industrial and agricultural processes.
Skin Irritant: May cause irritation on contact with skin.
Toxicity: Handle with care as ingestion or improper handling may lead to toxic effects.
Protection: Always use appropriate protective gear such as gloves, goggles, and masks when working with phenolphthalein.
Regulated Use: Should be handled following established safety guidelines, especially in pharmaceutical applications.
What is phenolphthalein used for?
It is primarily used as an acid-base indicator and a stimulant laxative.
Is phenolphthalein soluble in water?
No, phenolphthalein is insoluble in water but can dissolve in alcohol and alkali solutions.
Can phenolphthalein be used in industrial applications?
Yes, it is used in the production of polymers and for pH control in various industrial applications.
How should phenolphthalein be handled?
Protective equipment should be worn to prevent contact with skin and eyes. Use in a well-ventilated space.
Does phenolphthalein cause side effects?
It can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions. It should be used with caution, especially in medical formulations.
For more information on other chemicals, visit Trust International - Other Chemicals.
