Phenolphthalein can be used as an inhibitor and pH indicator. It also induces centrosome amplification and tubulin depolymerization in vitro.
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phenolphthalein: A dye used as anacid-base indicator. It is colourlessbelow pH 8 and red above pH 9.6. Itis used in titrations involving weakacids and strong bases. It is also usedas a laxative.
World Health Organization (WHO)
Phenolphthalein has been widely used as a laxative since its
cathartic activity was first described in 1902. Because it undergoes enterohepatic
circulation it is eliminated slowly and it has been associated with adverse effects,
notably skin reactions, potassium loss and atonia. This has led to the withdrawal
of phenolphthalein from pharmaceutical preparations in several countries.
Elsewhere, it remains available, often in over-the-counter preparations.
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Phenolphthalein solution is a synthetic indicator. It is colorless in acidic and neutral conditions. Phenolphthalein gives pink color when added to a base, therefore it is considered as a base indicator.
Safety Profile
Confirmed carcinogen. US Food and Drug Administration recommends removal from laxative formulations. Moderately toxic by intraperitoneal route. Human systemic effects: changes in urine composition, gastritis, nausea or vomiting. Used in medicine as a laxative; in chemistry as an indicator. When heated to decomposition it emits acrid smoke and irritating fumes
Carcinogenicity
Phenolphthalein is reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen based on sufficient evidence of carcinogenicity from studies in experimental animals.
Purification Methods
Dissolve it in EtOH (7mL/g), then dilute it with eight volumes of cold water, filter and heat on a water-bath to remove most of the alcohol and the phenolphthalein that precipitates is filtered off and dried in vacuo.[Beilstein 18 II 119, 18 III/1V 1945, 18/4 V 188.]
