What would be Liquidol's shelf life in an unopened bottle?

[What About Bob]

Will be getting back with printing soon after four years. Just waiting on a few more pieces of materials by mail. I found what appears to be an unopened bottle of Liquidol paper developer, in a liter bottle. I slowly opened the cap and heard a very faint wisp of air. The few droplets of solution under the cap had a slight pinkish tone to them. When I drew a small portion out with a pipette the solution looked clear. I am taking it that this developer may still be good? I tightened that cap right back up! The condition of the bottle is somewhat sucked in.

 

[cmacd123]

it was famous for being long lived. since it is a paper developer it would be low risk to try it. if it is no good, Just mix up something else. dreamed by by the late "Photo engineer"

 

[albada]

If it's clear, it's probably fine. Working solution yellows when it oxidizes, so that's probably true of the concentrate as well. Enjoy printing!

 

[MattKing]

I'm not sure that Liquidol's shelf storage life longevity is what it was well known for - I believe it was designed with a goal of the working solution having a long life when in the tray or between sessions if stored.
But that may be consistent with good shelf storage longevity.

 

[koraks]

When I drew a small portion out with a pipette the solution looked clear.

Sounds good to go.
If it had died, it would have gone black.

 

[What About Bob]

Thanks everyone.

This was the second bottle that was bought. I think it was in November or December of 2019. So four years ago. Wow, that is awesome staying power!

 

[MarkS]

I suspect that any developer concentrate still sealed in its original packaging would last a very long time; it's the oxygen that causes the developer to go bad.
I hope yours is still good- best of luck- and report back with your results, please!

 

[Sirius Glass]

Test it before you use it or discard it. Then if it works, use it. I test all my developers before each batch of film as part of my procedure.