Phenol Red Sodium Salt, identified by its CAS number 34487-61-1, is a compound that holds significant importance in the scientific community due to its fundamental properties as a pH indicator. Its predictable color changes in response to varying acidity and alkalinity levels make it an indispensable tool in a wide array of laboratory analyses and biological research contexts.

The science behind Phenol Red Sodium Salt lies in its molecular structure, a derivative of phenolsulfonphthalein. This organic compound acts as a weak acid. In aqueous solutions, it undergoes a reversible transformation between its acidic and basic forms, each associated with a distinct color. In acidic environments, typically below pH 6.8, the molecule exists predominantly in its acidic form, exhibiting a yellow hue. As the pH rises towards neutral and alkaline conditions, exceeding approximately pH 8.2, it shifts to its basic form, appearing red. The intermediate pH range (around 6.8 to 8.2) shows a gradient of orange colors, representing the transition zone. This clear visual spectrum allows scientists to accurately determine the pH of solutions without complex instrumentation, positioning it as a key chemical reagent.

One of the most prevalent scientific applications of Phenol Red Sodium Salt is in cell culture media. Many biological processes within cells are highly sensitive to pH fluctuations. The inclusion of this indicator in media provides researchers with a continuous, visual assessment of the culture's environment. A change from red to yellow can alert researchers to metabolic shifts, potential contamination, or nutrient depletion, prompting necessary interventions to maintain cell viability and experimental integrity. Researchers often buy Phenol Red Sodium Salt online from specialized suppliers to ensure the required purity for these delicate biological assays.

Beyond cell biology, Phenol Red Sodium Salt is a staple in analytical chemistry for titrations. Its sharp color change at the endpoint of weak acid-strong base titrations provides a reliable means of quantitative analysis. This is critical in various research settings, from environmental testing to chemical synthesis validation, where precise measurements are required.

Furthermore, Phenol Red Sodium Salt serves as an important intermediate for organic synthesis. Its chemical functionalities can be leveraged to create more complex molecules, including other pH indicators, dyes, and potentially components for specialized materials. The availability of this compound from chemical manufacturers, particularly in regions like China known for their chemical production capabilities, supports ongoing research and development in synthetic chemistry.

In summary, Phenol Red Sodium Salt (CAS 34487-61-1) is a cornerstone chemical in scientific endeavors. Its well-understood chemical properties make it a vital tool for pH monitoring in biological research, analytical chemistry, and as a versatile intermediate in organic synthesis. Access to this reliable chemical reagent is fundamental for advancing scientific understanding and innovation.