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Cosmetic ingredients

Phenolphthalein

Also known as Phthalimetten, Euchessina, Phenolax

CAS 77-09-8Formula C20H14O4Molar mass 318.33 g/molEC 201-004-7
GHS signal word: Danger. Pictograms: Serious health hazard 114 suppliers listed
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Phenolphthalein chemical structure, C20H14O4, CAS 77-09-8
2D chemical structure

Key facts

What buyers check first

All properties
Appearance
White or yellowish-white minute, triclinic crystals, often twinned
Melting point
262.5 °C
Density
1.277 @ 32 °C
Solubility
In water, 400 mg/L @ room temperature
HS code
293220
Category
Cosmetic ingredients
UN number
UN 1993
Illustrative photo, colourless crystals in an open woven sack in a warehouse
Typical packagingIllustrative packaging image, not the actual product

What is Phenolphthalein?

Plain description, key identifiers and synonyms

Phenolphthalein is a member of phenols. It is functionally related to a 2-benzofuran-1(3H)-one.

Phenolphthalein is a coloured pH indicator used at high pH.

Identifiers

Registry numbers, names and line notations, tap to copy

IUPAC name
3,3-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-benzofuran-1-one
CAS number
77-09-8 CAS number cross-checkedOther or deprecated CAS: 5768-87-6
EC number
201-004-7
Molecular formula
C20H14O4
UNII
6QK969R2IF
MDL number
MFCD00005913
INCI name
PHENOLPHTHALEIN
InChIKey
KJFMBFZCATUALV-UHFFFAOYSA-N
InChI
InChI=1S/C20H14O4/c21-15-9-5-13(6-10-15)20(14-7-11-16(22)12-8-14)18-4-2-1-3-17(18)19(23)24-20/h1-12,21-22H
SMILES (canonical and isomeric)
C1=CC=C2C(=C1)C(=O)OC2(C3=CC=C(C=C3)O)C4=CC=C(C=C4)O

Synonyms

  • Phthalimetten
  • Euchessina
  • Phenolax
  • Phthalin
  • Espotabs
  • Purgophen
  • Koprol
  • Laxogen
  • Trilax
  • Purga
  • Spulmako-lax
  • Chocolax
  • Purgen
  • Dihydroxyphthalophenone
  • Phenolphtaleine
  • Correctol
  • Medilax
  • Colax
  • Laxin
  • 3,3-Bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)phthalide
  • FemiLax
  • 3,3-Bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1(3H)-isobenzofuranone
  • Fenolftalein
  • Fenolftaleina
  • 3,3-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-benzofuran-1-one
Show all 38 synonyms
  • 1(3H)-Isobenzofuranone, 3,3-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-
  • 3,3-Bis(p-hydroxyphenyl)phthalide
  • Phenolphthaleinum
  • alpha-Di(p-hydroxyphenyl)phthalide
  • 3,3-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1,3-dihydro-2-benzofuran-1-one
  • Laxettes
  • Ex-Lax
  • o-Toluic acid, alpha-(p-hydroxyphenyl)-alpha-4-oxo-2,5-cyclohexadien-1-ylidene-
  • Prulet
  • 3,3-Bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)isobenzofuran-1(3H)-one
  • Alophen
  • Phillips Gelcaps
  • Phenophthalein

Physical and chemical properties

Measured values and descriptors computed from the structure

Physical and chemical properties

Measured values, check the supplier specification for your grade

Appearance
White or yellowish-white minute, triclinic crystals, often twinnedexp.
Odour
ODORLESSexp.
Melting point
262.5 °Cexp.
Density
1.277 @ 32 °Cexp.
Solubility
In water, 400 mg/L @ room temperatureexp.
Vapour pressure
6.7 × 10⁻¹³ mm Hg @ 25 °C /Estimated/exp.

Values vary by grade. Ask suppliers for the COA or TDS of the batch you buy.

Computed descriptors

Calculated from the structure, useful for screening and formulation

Molecular weight
318.33 g/molcalc.
Exact mass
318.0892 Dacalc.
LogP (octanol/water)
3.56calc.
Topological polar surface area
66.76 Ųcalc.
Hydrogen bond donors
2calc.
Hydrogen bond acceptors
4calc.
Rotatable bonds
2calc.
Heavy atoms
24calc.
Rings
4calc.
Aromatic rings
3calc.
Fraction sp3 carbons
0.05calc.
Formal charge
0calc.
Stereocentres
0calc.
Lipinski rule of five
Passes (0 violations)calc.

Calculated for screening. Confirm critical figures with the supplier.

Murcko scaffold

The ring system that remains when every side chain is removed

Murcko scaffold of this chemical, O=C1OC(c2ccccc2)(c2ccccc2)c2ccccc21

O=C1OC(c2ccccc2)(c2ccccc2)c2ccccc21

4 rings, 22 atoms, the RefChem:357140 ring system.

146 other chemicals share this scaffold

Safety and hazards

GHS classification summary, not a safety data sheet

GHS signal word
Danger
GHS08: Serious health hazard
Serious health hazard

Hazard statements

  • H341Suspected of causing genetic defects.
  • H350May cause cancer.
  • H361fSuspected of damaging fertility.
Precautionary statements (5)
  • P203Obtain, read and follow all safety instructions before use.
  • P280Wear protective gloves, protective clothing, eye protection and face protection.
  • P318If exposed or concerned, get medical advice.
  • P405Store locked up.
  • P501Dispose of contents and container in accordance with local regulations.
UN number
UN 1993

GHS classification summary, not a safety data sheet (SDS). Classifications can differ by supplier, grade and concentration. Always check the supplier's SDS.

Full safety data and first aid

Phenolphthalein suppliers

Sponsored listings first, then the documented ranking: membership, verification, replies, completeness, freshness and ratings

All 114 suppliers
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Where suppliers are based

114 suppliers in 21 countries

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Phenolphthalein price

Indicative price range per kg from live supplier offers

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Uses and applications

What the substance is used for, by industry and function

Acid base indicator, laboratory reagent.

Analytical reagent.

Detection of GI bleeding ... pink coloration forms in aqueous phase when phenolphthalein and hydrogen peroxide are added to ethanol extract of feces. (Former use).

Cathartics, Indicators and Reagents.

Veterinary medication:.

Cosmetic ingredient, INCI name PHENOLPHTHALEIN(not reported)

Pharmacological actions

  • Indicators and Reagents

Roles

  • laxative
  • pharmaceutical

Cosmetic functions

  • Not reported

Pharmacology

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.

How it is made

Produced by the condensation of phenol with phthalic anhydride in the presence of concentrated sulfuric acid.

Interaction of phenol and phthalic anhydride in sulfuric acid.

Regulatory status

Inventories, regulations and trade controls that list this substance

Europe

  • EU harmonised classification (CLP Annex VI)
    Index no: 604-076-00-1

Health and food

  • EU cosmetic ingredient inventory
  • EU Cosmetics Regulation Annex II, prohibited in cosmetics
    Name: 3,3-Bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)phthalide (Phenolphthalein (INN)), Ref no: 417, Annex ref: II/417

United States

  • TSCA inventory (USA)
    Status: Active in US commerce

HS code and trade data

Customs classification and reported world trade statistics

Global trade

World import and export statistics for the HS code Phenolphthalein is traded under.

HS 2932.20Indicative HS code

Lactones

World exports in 2024
$1.97B
−4.7% vs 2023, imports $2.07B
2019 to 2024
Top exporters
  1. China56.3%
  2. India * partner reported7.4%
  3. Germany7.3%
Top importers
  1. United States14.2%
  2. India * partner reported13.5%
  3. Brazil8.5%

* Partner reported figures, a lower bound.

Reported customs values in USD, not prices.Full trade data

The HS code shown for Phenolphthalein is indicative (it was assigned by structure rules). Confirm the classification with your customs broker before shipping.

Frequently asked questions

Quick answers about Phenolphthalein, based on the data on this page

What is Phenolphthalein?

Phenolphthalein is a member of phenols. It is functionally related to a 2-benzofuran-1(3H)-one.

What is the CAS number of Phenolphthalein?

The CAS registry number of Phenolphthalein is 77-09-8. Other or deprecated CAS numbers: 5768-87-6.

What is the molecular formula and weight of Phenolphthalein?

The molecular formula of Phenolphthalein is C20H14O4 and its molar mass is 318.33 g/mol.

What is Phenolphthalein used for?

Acid base indicator, laboratory reagent. Analytical reagent. Detection of GI bleeding ... pink coloration forms in aqueous phase when phenolphthalein and hydrogen peroxide are added to ethanol extract of feces. (Former use). Cathartics, Indicators and Reagents. Veterinary medication:.

Is Phenolphthalein hazardous?

Phenolphthalein carries the GHS signal word "Danger". Main hazards: suspected of causing genetic defects, may cause cancer, suspected of damaging fertility. This summary is not an SDS, always read the supplier safety data sheet.

What is the HS code of Phenolphthalein?

Phenolphthalein is usually classified under HS code 293220 (Lactones). This is indicative, confirm it with your customs broker before shipping.

Where can I buy Phenolphthalein?

CompoundList lists 114 suppliers of Phenolphthalein in China, United States, India, United Kingdom and 17 more. Send one free request to get and compare quotes. Your contact details stay private until you accept a quote.

Where can I buy Phenolphthalein in India?

20 suppliers in India list Phenolphthalein on CompoundList. Filter the suppliers list by country and send a request to compare prices, grades and delivery times.

What is the price of Phenolphthalein?

Suppliers quote Phenolphthalein on request because prices depend on grade, purity, quantity and destination. A free request on CompoundList gets you several quotes to compare.

Guides for buyers

Practical guides that help when you source, ship or handle Phenolphthalein

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Data last updated 7 Oct 2026. Details may have changed, please confirm them with the supplier. Report an error on this page
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