This complex is used as an indicator in analytical chemistry.  The active ingredient is the [Fe(o-phen)] ion, which is a chromophore that can be oxidized to the ferric derivative [Fe(o-phen)]. The potential for this redox change is +1.06 volts in 1 M HSO. It is a popular redox indicator for visualizing oscillatory Belousov–Zhabotinsky reactions.
Ferroin is suitable as a redox indicator, as the color change is reversible, very pronounced and rapid, and the ferroin solution is stable up to 60 °C. It is the main indicator used in cerimetry.
Nitroferroin, the complex of iron(II) with 5-nitro-1,10-phenanthroline, has transition potential of +1.25 volts. It is more stable than ferroin, but in sulfuric acid with Ce ion it requires significant excess of the titrant. It is however useful for titration in perchloric acid or nitric acid solution, where cerium redox potential is higher.
The redox potential of the iron-phenanthroline complex can be varied between +0.84 V and +1.10 V by adjusting the position and number of methyl groups on the phenanthroline core.