Meaning & Definition of word "Phenolphthalein"
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Phenolphthalein
/ˌfɛn.əlˈθeɪ.lin/
noun:
- 1. A synthetic compound (C20H14O4) that is used as an acid-base indicator in titrations, turning pink in alkaline solutions.
- Example: In the titration experiment, phenolphthalein was used to determine when the solution shifted from acidic to neutral.
- 2. A pharmaceutical agent used as a laxative.
- Example: The doctor prescribed phenolphthalein as a laxative for patients suffering from constipation.
- 3. A colorless compound in its neutral and acidic forms, which turns pink in basic conditions.
- Example: 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 of phenolphthalein
Meaning: Pink potion
Example Sentence: In the lab, they call it the pink potion when referring to the color change with phenolphthalein.