Acid-base titration. Demonstration of an acid-base titration using the indicator phenolphthalein. An alkaline solution is in the flask with a few drops of the indicator added to give a purple colour. Acid is slowly added from the burette above. When the acid has neutralised the alkali in the solution, the indicator turns colorless. The amount of acid needed to neutralise the alkali will allow the concentration of one of the solutions to be determined provided that the other's strength is already known.