Phenolphthalein

/ˌfɛn.əlˈθeɪ.lin/

Meaning & Definition

noun
A synthetic compound (C20H14O4) that is used as an acid-base indicator in titrations, turning pink in alkaline solutions.
In the titration experiment, phenolphthalein was used to determine when the solution shifted from acidic to neutral.
A pharmaceutical agent used as a laxative.
The doctor prescribed phenolphthalein as a laxative for patients suffering from constipation.
A colorless compound in its neutral and acidic forms, which turns pink in basic conditions.
During the chemistry class, we observed that phenolphthalein turned bright pink when sodium hydroxide was added to the solution.

Etymology

From phenol + phthalic acid.

Common Phrases and Expressions

phenolphthalein test
A procedure to determine the acidity or alkalinity of a solution using phenolphthalein.
titration with phenolphthalein
A technique where phenolphthalein is used to find the endpoint of a titration.

Related Words

indicator
A substance that changes color in response to a chemical change, often used in titrations.
titration
A laboratory method used to determine the concentration of a solution by reacting it with a standard solution.

Slang Meanings

Pink potion
In the lab, they call it the pink potion when referring to the color change with phenolphthalein.