The titration curve of weak acid vs. strong base with phenolphthalein as indicator is shown below. The K…

The titration curve of weak acid vs. strong base with phenolphthalein as indicator is shown below. The Kphenolphthalein =4×10-10

Given: log 2 = 0.3

The number of following statement/s which is/are correct about phenolphthalein is _______

A. It can be used as an indicator for the titration of weak acid with weak base.

B. It begins to change colour at pH = 8.4

C. It is a weak organic base

D. It is colourless in acidic medium

 

Solution

Phenolphthalein is an organic acid and can be represented as HPh.

HPh (colourless) H++Ph- (Pink) 

Using Henderson equation for phenolphthalein

pH=pKIn+logPh-[HPh]

At equivalence point  Ph-=[HPh]

pH2=pKIn=-log[4]+10=-0.6+10=9.4

Hence at (9.4±1)PH , phenolphthalein starts changing colour. Phenolphthalein is colourless in acidic medium and pink in basic medium. Phenolphthalein indicator distinguish the pH change between 8 to 10. Therefore, it is used for strong acid and strong base titration or weak acid and strong base titration. Hence, A and C are incorrect statements.

Asked in: JEE Main 2023 (08 Apr Shift 1)

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