what does phenolphthalein detect?
Phenolphthalein. Phenolphthalein is another commonly used indicator for titrations, and is another weak acid. In this case, the weak acid is colourless and its ion is bright pink. Adding extra hydrogen ions shifts the position of equilibrium to the left, and turns the indicator colourless. Adding hydroxide ions removes the hydrogen ions from the equilibrium which tips to the right to replace them - turning the indicator pink.