What is C19H14O5S (or phenol red) used for in our daily lives?

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C19H14O5S, also known as phenol red, is a chemical compound commonly used as a pH indicator in scientific and laboratory settings. It can be found in various applications, but not necessarily in our daily lives, outside of laboratory or research environments.

Phenol red changes color depending on the acidity or alkalinity of a solution. It appears red at a neutral (pH 7) or slightly acidic pH, and turns yellow at acidic pH levels below 6.8. On the other hand, it turns pink in alkaline (basic) environments with a pH above 8.2.

Phenol red's ability to indicate changes in pH makes it useful in several scientific applications. Some examples include:

1. Cell Culture: Phenol red is often added to cell culture media to assess the pH levels, which can affect various cellular processes. It helps researchers monitor the health and growth of cells in the lab.

2. Chemical Reactions: In chemistry labs, phenol red can be used to monitor and indicate pH changes during chemical reactions. It assists chemists in determining when reactions are complete or if adjustments are needed.

3. Educational Demonstrations: Phenol red can be used in educational demonstrations to illustrate the concept of pH and its different levels. It is often used in experiments or science projects to help students understand the acidic and basic nature of substances.

While phenol red may not have direct applications in our daily lives, understanding its use as a pH indicator can be beneficial in fields such as biology, chemistry, and education.