Brown oxidized Dektol

<p>I have been storing a 5 lb box of Dektol powder for about 1 1/2 years. When I opened the bag that the chemical was in, the powder was brown (an air leak). I do not want this to go to waste, so is it okay at all to use?</p>

<p>Probably. It would at least be worth mixing and trying it.</p>

<p>I never used the big boxes but always the packs. I would throw it away if it was brown and use if it just had some "pepper" in it. But trying it is a worth it when so much is involved. The worst you can do is to waste some paper, but be sure to print a neg you know so that you can compare a "good" print with the ones you get with this developer.</p>

<p >The actual developing agents are derivates of benzene which is derived from coal. Today benzene is made artificially. Nevertheless, it is a derivative, organic, from the benzene ring. These developers have an affinity for oxygen and upon receiving it, break down to coal tar. One ingredient is a preservative, sodium sulfite, however it works only in solution and not in the powdered form.</p>

<p >If it were a film developer I would say hands down, don’t use it. Since it is a paper developer and you have the opportunity to reprint, no harm in trying. </p>

<p>Probably still work for paper but perhaps not with the speed a new pack would have. <br>

Might be good for stuff you want slow. But that's a lot of chemicals, and it is always mix the whole thing or get an uneven batch...</p>

<p>I always mix and see what the solution looks like. Too dark and I don't use it. It is hard to tell with the powder.</p>

<p>-- glen</p>