The main uses of phenolphthalein are: 1, pharmaceutical industry pharmaceutical raw materials: pharmaceutical laxative, can stimulate the intestinal wall, cause intestinal peristalsis to promote defecation. 2, for organic synthesis: mainly used for synthetic plastics, 3, for alkali indicator, non-aqueous titration indicator, chromatography reagent.
Phenolphthalein appears as white or yellowish-white to pale orange fine crystalline powder. Odorless. Aqueous solution is acidic. Colorless to pH 8.5; pink to deep-red above pH 9. Colorless in presence of large amounts of alkali. Tasteless.Phenolphthalein is an organic compound used as a laboratory reagent and pH indicator. Phenolphthalein exerts laxative effects by stimulating the intestinal mucosa and constricting smooth muscles. However, phenolphthalein is no longer used as a laxative due to the suspected carcinogenicity of this compound.