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Obtained by the action of phenol on phthalic anhydride; used as a hydrogen ion indicator and formerly used as a laxative.
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phe·nol·phtha·lein .fēn-əl-'thal-ē-ən, -'thal-.ēn, -'thāl- n a white or yellowish white crystalline compound C20H14O4 that is used in analysis as an indicator because its solution is brilliant red in alkalies and is decolorized by acids and that is used in medicine as a laxative
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phe·nol·phthal·ein (fe″nol-thalґēn) a cathartic and pH indicator, with a range of 8.5 (colorless) to 9.0 (red).Medical dictionary. 2011.