Amidol
Amidol is a colorless crystalline compound with the molecular structure C6H3(NH2)2OH. It is a dihydrogen chloride salt and is used as a photographic developer. It was introduced as a developing agent for photographic papers in 1892. It is unusual amongst developing agents 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 color 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.
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Preferred IUPAC name
2,4-Diaminophenol | |
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ChemSpider | |
ECHA InfoCard | 100.002.237 |
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CompTox Dashboard (EPA) |
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Properties | |
C6H8N2O | |
Molar mass | 124.14 g/mol |
Appearance | Colorless solid |
Melting point | 78 to 80 °C (172 to 176 °F; 351 to 353 K) |
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa). | |
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Infobox references | |
Prints developed in amidol are typically a very warm brown-black colour, but overdevelopment can quickly lead to chemical fogging.
Amidol's color change upon oxidation is used to advantage as a convenient colorimetric method for measuring the dissolved oxygen concentration in water supplies, rivers, etc.[2]
References
- Merck Index, 11th Edition, 2961.
- Westfall and Ellis, Determination of Water Quality, U.S. Govt. Printing Office (1848), p.21