Has this glycin gone bad?

[Craig]

I recently acquired some old darkroom chemicals, and among it was a box of Formulary 130 developer. The glycin is brown with dark spots visible in the bag. Is it still usable, or should I toss it?

 

[GregY]

Craig, i'd say it's done. When I receive 130 from the Formulary, I immediately remove the glycin from the box and put it in my film fridge. I've never had it go bad when refrigerated.

 

[Craig]

Thanks. I didn't know about refrigerating the glycin, I'll do that next time I get a box of 130.

 

[GregY]

Thanks. I didn't know about refrigerating the glycin, I'll do that next time I get a box of 130.

Craig, with the current shipping costs, (or convenience when I was picking up directly from the Formulary), I always bought several boxes of 130 and I wanted to avoid it going bad.

 

[Alan9940]

I wouldn't use it. Fresh Glycin is a white(ish) powder. I keep mine in the freezer and after several years it's still fresh looking and works when I mix up some 130.

 

[John Wiegerink]

Thanks. I didn't know about refrigerating the glycin, I'll do that next time I get a box of 130.

Fridge is fine, but I think the freezer is better. I have some that I got five years ago and it is still light colored and works just fine.

 

[chuckroast]

Fridge is fine, but I think the freezer is better. I have some that I got five years ago and it is still light colored and works just fine.

Do you leave it in plastic packaging or pour it into a glass bottle for long term freezer storage?

 

[GregY]

Do you leave it in plastic packaging or pour it into a glass bottle for long term freezer storage?

I've always left it in the sealed bag.

 

[chuckroast]

I've always left it in the sealed bag.

Right, but once opened, does it remain in that bag or do you transfer it to other storage?

I ask because there seems to be some indication that storing it in a glass bottle is a better choice.

 

[GregY]

Right, but once opened, does it remain in that bag or do you transfer it to other storage?

I ask because there seems to be some indication that storing it in a glass bottle is a better choice.

I buy the 8 liter kits from the Formulary and mix the 2.13 gallons all at once.

 

[DREW WILEY]

That batch has gone completely bad. Fresh glycin is either off-white or light tan. Extra jars of fresh powder can be kept good by freezing. As it ages it turns a light mocha brown; but somewhere in the deep chocolate zone it gets questionable.

I only mix enough 130 developer for a single day's session. An open jar of fresh glycin powder lasts at least six months before seriously oxidizing.