Extensive Definition
Amidol is a colourless crystalline compound,
C6H3(NH2)2OH·2HCl, used as a photographic
developer. It was introduced as a developing agent for photographic
papers in 1892. It is unusual
amongst developers as it works most effectively in slightly
acid conditions rather than
the strongly alkaline
conditions required for most other developers. As Amidol ages it
changes colour to a dark red-brown. Developing dishes and equipment
used to prepare Amidol solutions are also frequently stained brown,
a stain that is very
persistent.
Prints developed in Amidol are typically a very
warm brown-black colour but overdevelopment can quickly lead to
chemical fogging
Chemically, it is 2,4-diaminophenol
dihydrochloride.
amidol in Polish: Amidol