Xtol
Encyclopedia
Xtol is a photographic developer manufactured by Eastman Kodak
company.
Xtol is one of the few developers that do not contain hydroquinone
. It uses derivatives of ascorbic acid
(vitamin C
) and phenidone
as developing agents. Claimed advantages include low toxicity (important for environmental reasons as well as occupational safety), easy mixing, and an unusual combination of fine grain with high film speed.
Eastman Kodak
Eastman Kodak Company is a multinational imaging and photographic equipment, materials and services company headquarted in Rochester, New York, United States. It was founded by George Eastman in 1892....
company.
Xtol is one of the few developers that do not contain hydroquinone
Hydroquinone
Hydroquinone, also benzene-1,4-diol or quinol, is an aromatic organic compound that is a type of phenol, having the chemical formula C6H42. Its chemical structure, shown in the table at right, has two hydroxyl groups bonded to a benzene ring in a para position. It is a white granular solid...
. It uses derivatives of ascorbic acid
Ascorbic acid
Ascorbic acid is a naturally occurring organic compound with antioxidant properties. It is a white solid, but impure samples can appear yellowish. It dissolves well in water to give mildly acidic solutions. Ascorbic acid is one form of vitamin C. The name is derived from a- and scorbutus , the...
(vitamin C
Vitamin C
Vitamin C or L-ascorbic acid or L-ascorbate is an essential nutrient for humans and certain other animal species. In living organisms ascorbate acts as an antioxidant by protecting the body against oxidative stress...
) and phenidone
Phenidone
Phenidone is an organic chemical compound whose primary use is as a photographic developer. It has five to ten times the developing power as Metol. It also has low toxicity and, unlike some other developers, does not cause dermatitis upon skin contact.Phenidone is Ilford's trademark for this...
as developing agents. Claimed advantages include low toxicity (important for environmental reasons as well as occupational safety), easy mixing, and an unusual combination of fine grain with high film speed.