PHENOLPHTHALEIN

an organic compound of the phthalein family that is widely employed as an acid-base indicator and as a laxative. Phenolphthalein is a potent laxative, which acts within 6-8 hours; its effects may last 3-4 days. Such adverse reactions as kidney irritation or skin rash may occur. As an indicator of the pH of a solution, phenolphthalein is colourless below pH 8.0 and attains a deep red hue above pH 10.0. Phenolphthalein, which is closely related to the triphenylmethane dyes, was discovered in 1871 by the German chemist Adolf von Baeyer, who prepared it by fusing phenol and phthalic anhydride in the presence of sulfuric acid or zinc chloride, the procedure still employed.