What are indicators?What are indicators? Contains a weak acid and its conjugate base Weak acid—one color Conjugate base—different color Changes color based on what solution (acidic or basic) it is placed in. Color within a solution is dependent on the amount of acid and conjugate base----SO pH dependent. Used when specific pH measurements not needed
How do indicators work?How do indicators work? HIn + H 2 O H 3 O + + In - (yellow) (red) Acidic Solution — Yellow color is seen, reaction shifts to the LEFT Basic Solution — Red color is seen, reaction shifts to the RIGHT Neutral Solution Same concentration of indicator acid/anion Color mixture between the two colors
Common IndicatorsCommon Indicators Phenolphthalein Litmus indicator Broad pH range Litmus— Dye originating from lichens pH 8.3 (blue)
Indicators and TitrationsIndicators and Titrations pH rapidly shifts past the equivalence point Shift affects indicator equilibrium—creates a color change Different indicators have different pH ranges where equilibrium changes (color change) Select indicator changing color close to the pH at the equivalence point.