A simple photometric device was built to measure the
kinetics of
the title reaction. The device consisted of a green light-emitting
diode (centered at 520 nm), a sample vial, a photodiode, and an Arduino
microcontroller board. These parts were mounted on a black poly(lactic
acid) holder which was manufactured by utilizing three-dimensional
printing. Adequate sensitivity and dynamic range (linear detection
range from 2 × 10–3 to 0.9 in absorbance, base
10) and time resolution (ca. 6 × 10–3 s) have
been achieved. The time-resolved absorbance of the pink form of phenolphthalein
was recorded automatically. The time scale of the forward reaction
can be controlled by [OH–]. Evidence of reaching
a chemical equilibrium was observed at conditions of higher concentration
of phenolphthalein and lower [OH–]. We also demonstrated
direct observation of the slow reversed reaction (taking ca. hours).
Factors affecting the reaction kinetics like the ionic strength and
organic solvents have also been tested. For a laboratory class, the
basic goal may include the kinetics of the forward reaction and a
simple description of the chemical equilibrium. If time allows, the
reversed reaction (color reappearing) may be demonstrated. In a test
run, the participating high school students positively agreed that
this activity had increased their related ability, while a minor portion
of them were less confident on more complicated knowledge items like
using the Beer–Lambert law, measuring the lifetime, and knowing
the evidence of the reverse reaction.