Phenolphthalein ( feh-NOL(F)-thə-leen) is a chemical compound with the formula C20H14O4 and is often written as "HIn", "HPh", "phph" or simply "Ph" in shorthand notation. Phenolphthalein is often used as an indicator in acid–base titrations. For this application, it turns colorless in acidic solutions and pink in basic solutions. It belongs to the class of dyes known as phthalein dyes.
Phenolphthalein
Image: Phenolphthalein in conc sulfuric acid
Image: Phenolphthalein at p H 9
Phenol red is a pH indicator frequently used in cell biology laboratories.
Phenol red, 40 μM: colors in cell culture medium at a pH range from 6.0 to 8.0.
A commercial test kit for swimming pools with phenol red and an orthotolidine indicator solution