I

Indicators

Expert Written | Fact Checked | Sources Cited | AllChemicals Editorial Team

What is Indicators?

Chemical indicators are substances that change color in response to changes in the chemical environment, most commonly pH, making them useful for detecting the equivalence point in acid-base titrations. Common examples include phenolphthalein (colorless in acid, pink in base) and litmus (red in acid, blue in base). The color change of an indicator occurs over a specific pH range corresponding to the pKa of its weak acid or base form.

Key Facts

Term Indicators

Frequently Asked Questions

Chemical indicators are substances that change color in response to changes in the chemical environment, most commonly pH, making them useful for detecting the equivalence point in acid-base titrations. Common examples include phenolphthalein (colorless in acid, pink in base) and litmus (red in acid, blue in base). The color change of an indicator occurs over a specific pH range corresponding to the pKa of its weak acid or base form.

More "I" Terms

View all "I" terms →
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Editorial standards: Chemical data is sourced from peer-reviewed literature, CAS Registry, NIST WebBook, and PubChem. Safety information reflects guidance from OSHA, ECHA, and IAEA. For educational purposes only — always consult official SDS documentation and qualified professionals before handling chemicals.