Universal indicator
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A Universal indicator is a pH indicator composed of a blend of several compounds that exhibits several smooth colour changes over a pH value range from 1-14 to indicate the acidity or basicity of solutions. Although there are a number of commercially available universal pH indicators, most are a variation of a formula patented by Yamada in 1923.[1] Details of this patent can be found in Chemical Abstracts.[2]
Experiments with Yamada's Universal Indicator are also described in the Journal of Chemical Education.[3]
Details
A universal indicator is typically composed of water, propan-1-ol, phenolphthalein sodium salt, sodium hydroxide, methyl red, bromothymol blue monosodium salt, and thymol blue monosodium salt. [4]
The colours that indicate the pH of a solution, after adding a universal indicator are:
| pH range | Description | Colour |
|---|---|---|
| 0-3 | Strong acid | Red |
| 3-6 | Acid | Orange/Yellow |
| 7 | Neutral | Green |
| 8-11 | Base | Blue |
| 11-14 | Strong Base | Violet/Purple |
There are now also available wide range pH test papers with distinct colours for each pH from 1 to 14. Colour matching charts are supplied with the specific test strips purchased.
See also
Universal Indicator, the self proclaimed vigilante of Adelaide
References
- ^ Jap. Pat. 99,664, Feb 21, 1933
- ^ Chem Abstr, 28, 2258 (1934)
- ^ For a discussion of these experiments, as well as recipes for Yamada and other universal indicators, see Foster, S.L. and Gruntfest, J.Chem.Educ., 14, 274(1937)
- ^ "Universal Indicator". ISCID Encyclopedia of Science and Philosophy.