Hydroquinone is generally a clean-working and nonstaining developer. It oxidizes easily both in solution and as crystals.
Key Features
At temperatures bellow 50°F/10°C hydroquinone developers are inactive. It is extremely susceptible to the action of bromide.
When compounded with alkali carbonates it gives a slow-working but contrasty developer.
With caustic alkalies (e.g., sodium hydroxide) its action is very rapid, with the highest possible contrast. For this reason, it is the most widely used developer for technical applications, especially in process work where the highest attainable contrast is essential.
In the presence of caustic alkali (i.e. high pH) it is not temperature-sensitive and can be used for low temperature developing.
Hydroquione developers keep well and are slowly exhausted.
Hydroquione alone is not largely used but in combination with metol (MQ) or Pheinidone (PQ), it is among the most popular developers.
By varying the relative quantities of metol and hydroquione and adjusting the quantities of sulfite and carbonate, almost any desired contrast or rate of development can be obtained.
White crystals Lustrous, silky, white needles Odorless
Uses
Black & white photographic developer component, that builds density in combination with other developers.
Chemical Formula
C6H4(OH)2
Notes
Vitamin C can be used as a substitute for hydroquinone. Start by using 1.6 times the weight of hydroquinone, and increase the alkali (i.e., borax, carbonate, etc.) by 1.6 times to compensate for acidity of the vitamin C.
Stable under ordinary conditions of use and storage. Solution becomes brown in air due to oxidation.