Question: Phenolphthalein, a common nonprescription laxative, is also an acid-base indicator that is colorless in acid and red in base. Phenolphthalein is synthesized by the acid-catalyzed

Phenolphthalein, a common nonprescription laxative, is also an acid-base indicator that is colorless in acid and red in base. Phenolphthalein is synthesized by the acid-catalyzed reaction of phthalic anhydride with 2 equivalents of phenol.

Phenolphthalein, a common nonprescription laxative, is also an acid-base indicator

(a) Propose a mechanism for the synthesis of phenolphthalein.
(b) Propose a mechanism for the conversion of phenolphthalein to its red dianion in base.
(c) Use resonance structures to show that the two phenolic oxygen atoms are equivalent (each with half a negative charge) in the red phenolphthalein dianion.

04.0% H2SO heat phthalic anhydride red dianion phenolphthalein

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a b Color comes from highly conjugated molecules and ions c HA 54 1A OH OH HO OH goz OH HO ... View full answer

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