Phenolphthalein
Agent Name
Phenolphthalein
CAS Number
77-09-8
Formula
C20-H14-O4
Major Category
Dyes
Synonyms
3,3-Bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1(3H)-isobenzofuranone; 3,3-Bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)phthalide; 3,3-Bis(p-hydroxyphenyl)phthalide; Chocolax; Colax; Correctol; Dihydroxyphthalophenone; Espotabs; Euchessina; Evac-Q-Kit; Evac-Q-Kwik; Evac-Q-Tabs; Evac-U-Gen; Evac-V-Lax; Ex-Lax; Feen-A-Mint Gum; FemiLax; Fenolftalein [Czech]; Fenolftaleina [INN-Spanish]; Koprol; Lax-Pills; Laxin; Laxogen; Lilo; Medilax; Phenolax; Phenolphtaleine [INN-French]; Phenolphthalein; Phenolphthaleinum [INN-Latin]; Phthalide 3,3,-bis(p-hydroxyphenyl)-; Phthalimetten; Phthalin; Purga; Purgen; Purgophen; Spulmako-lax; Trilax; alpha-(p-Hydroxyphenyl)-alpha-(4-oxo-2,5-cyclohexadien-1-ylidene)-o-toluic acid; alpha-Di(p-hydroxyphenyl)phthalide; [ChemIDplus]
Category
Indicator Dyes
Description
White to yellow crystals; Aqueous solution is colorless to pH 8.5 and red above pH 9. [CAMEO]
Sources/Uses
A pH indicator that has been used as a laxative; [CHEMINFO] Used as a pH indicator for the pH range of 8.2-9.8; [Ullmann]
Comments
Reported health effects include itching rash after skin contact and purging and collapse after ingestion; [CAMEO] Dust may be irritating if inhaled, but probably not irritating to the skin; [CHEMINFO]
Biomedical References
Exposure Assessment
Explanatory Notes
mp = 504-505 deg F; VP = extremely low; [CHEMINFO]
Adverse Effects
IARC Carcinogen
Possible (2b)
NTP Carcinogen
Anticipated human carcinogen
Diseases, Processes, and Activities Linked to This Agent
Other Information
No other related information on this agent was found.