Metol: is my last batch OK?

[David Allen]

Dear All,

several years ago I bought 200g of Metol that were supplied in 50g bottles.

I have just opened the last bottle and the Metol is not pure white like all of the other bottles.

It has a slight beige colour and I was wondering if anyone here knew if this was a normal variation or whether it indicates that the Metol is no longer good.

I will, of course, test it before using it for an important film but it would be good to know if I could save myself the time and trouble if the slight discolouration is a well known indication that the chemical is no longer useable.

Bests and thanks,

David.
www.dsallen.de

 

[Anon Ymous]

I've used Metol that was light tan and everything went fine. I also recall using ID11 and the contents of one of the sachets had about the same colour. Didn't cause any problems either.

 

[Alan Johnson]

My recent batch of metol 2 years ago was beige/tan color on arrival and I have successfully used it to make a couple of batches of Beutler.
IDK if the color is a manufacturing impurity or an atmospheric oxidation product but it does not appear to affect the activity of metol.

 

[David Allen]

Thanks for your replies - that is very encouraging.

Bests,

David.
www.dsallen.de

 

[David Lyga]

My oldest metol dates from 1973 and it is STILL just as good, Hydroquinone tends to blacken and lose some strength, but if your metol is just a bit brown, there is no worry at all. Just store in bottles that do not allow much air. - David Lyga

 

[Arklatexian]

I've used Metol that was light tan and everything went fine. I also recall using ID11 and the contents of one of the sachets had about the same colour. Didn't cause any problems either.

+1

 

[newcan1]

The stuff I am using is from the 1950's and still fine.

 

[Saganich]

There will be a slight oxidation of the powder and in solution over time. No worries. To avoid oxidation in solution I mix-up enough to fill head space in a 1 liter bottle or occasionally use marbles but generally that isn't necessary unless you expect very long storage times between use...like years.

 

[David Lyga]

The stuff I am using is from the 1950's and still fine.

This is as old as I am. Such age is suspect, but not for metol. - David Lyga

 

[fdonadio]

This is as old as I am. Such age is suspect, but not for metol. - David Lyga

Can we rest assured you’re not suffering from oxidation?

 

[David Lyga]

No suffering, as oxidation is actually beneficial for humans. But, sometimes, not ...Hence,

"Free radicals are oxygen-containing molecules with an uneven number of electrons. ... Free radicals can cause large chain chemical reactions in your body because they react so easily with other molecules. These reactions are called oxidation. They can be beneficial or harmful."

Thus, it remains to be seen whether the 'free radicals' in my body are more powerful than my inherent radical tendencies. (Intuitively, I think that my ego will win out.)

Good question, worth pondering, fdonadio. - David Lyga

 

[fdonadio]

No suffering, as oxidation is actually beneficial for humans. But, sometimes, not ...

I hope you perceived my post as a joke, because that’s what it was. I am sure you are still as active as the Metol you have.

 

[David Lyga]

You are funny, indeed. But, I am, also 'indeed'. very old. - David Lyga