Natural Dyes as Acid-Base Indicators from Beta vulgaris

In acid- base titrations, indicator are used to show a sharp color changes at end point which are mostly organic dyes. Due to environmental pollution, availability and cost, the search for natural acid-base indicator was started. In the present study the extract of Beta vulgaris was used to replace the synthetic indicators due to the disadvantage of less availability and high cost of synthetic dye. Extract of Beta vulgaris gives sharp and intense color changes as compared to synthetic indicator. The extracts were evaluated by using strong acid-strong base, strong acid-weak base, weak acid-strong base and weak acid -weak base. In all these titrations the extract was found to be very useful and accurate for indicating the neutralization point. Methanolic extract of Beta vulgaris was found to be a very useful, economical, simple and accurate for titration. The proposed herbal indicators can be used as a substitute to synthetic indicators.