Potassium dichromate in distilled water

[mrred]

How long can Potassium dichromate in distilled water last? I normally mix it %2 sulf acid at use time, for reversals.

I prepared the pot. dichromate 6 mons ago, and have some bad rolls go through. I got a big black strip with only a grey foggy leader. I was wondering if this was a bleach failure.

 

[Photo Engineer]

Just about forever!

 

[mrred]

That's what I thought. Thanks.

 

[Photo Engineer]

I should remind you that it turns green gradually if going bad and will have gone from yellow orange to green when totally bad.

PE

 

[mrred]

The lab quality stuff I have has always been a bright yellow/orange, and still have a decent amount left. I asked because i'd be an idiot not asking and wasting time in the process.

My blame goes to possibly making %.2 acid instead of %2. Low brain day.

I did a strip test, dunking 1/2 the strip in developer with the light on. Then putting it in the bleach. The old stuff barely bleached and the stuff with the new acid (sulfuric) worked like a charm.