phenolphthalein

from WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006)
phenolphthalein
    n 1: a laxative used in many preparations under various trade
         names; also used as an acid-base indicator in titrations
         involving weak acids and strong bases because it is
         brilliant red at high alkalinity and colorless below pH 8
from The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Phenolphthalein \Phe`nol*phthal"e*in\, or Phenol phthalein
\Phenol phthalein\, n. (Chem.)
   A white or yellowish white crystalline substance, {C20H14O4},
   formed by condensation of the anhydride of phthalic acid and
   phenol. Its solution in alkalies is brilliant red, but is
   decolorized by acids. This reaction, being very delicate, is
   used as a pH indicator. It is sometimes used as a laxative in
   veterinary medicine.
   [Webster 1913 Suppl. +PJC]
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