In its cyclic sulfonate ester form, it has a pKa value of 6.3, and is usually prepared as a 0.04% aqueous solution.
Use of BCP in this application may provide some advantage over older methods using bromocresol green.
[6] Bromocresol purple milk solids glucose agar is used as a medium used to distinguish dermatophytes from bacteria and other organisms in cases of ringworm fungus (T. verrucosum) infestation in cattle and other animals.
Changing the level of acidity causes a shift in the equilibrium between two different structures that have different colors.
As the pH decreases, it converts to a sultone (cyclic sulfonic ester) that colors the solution yellow.