The DARKROOM COOKBOOK, Third Edition

194 THE DARKROOM COOKBOOK
Uses: As a mild alkali accelerator in developers of moderate to high alkalinity. Used to avoid
the creation of gas when it comes in contact with an acid. For this reason the possibility of
blister formation is minimized.
Substitutions: Sodium metaborate, octahydrate (8H 2O), and Balanced Alkali (Kodalk) are, for
all practical purposes, the same. Substitution can be made weight for weight.
Another substitution for sodium metaborate, octahydrate is to use 9.5 grams of sodium
hydroxide and 45.4 grams of borax, decahydrate in water to make 1.0 liter. This is equivalent
to a 10% solution of sodium metaborate, octahydrate. This can be made from Red Devil Lye and
20 Mule Team Borax and safely used in formulas as a substitute (20.0 ml of a 10% solution �
2.0 grams; 25.0 ml � 2.5 grams; etc.).
(see Balanced Alkali)
SODIUM PHOSPHATE (DIBASIC)
Synonyms: Disodium orthophosphate, Disodium phosphate, DSP, Secondary sodium
phos phate.
Appearance: Colorless, transparent crystals.
Uses: Gold toning; silver chloride emulsions.
SODIUM PHOSPHATE (TRIBASIC)
Synonyms: Normal sodium ortho-phosphate, Tribasic, Trisodium orthophosphate, Trisodium
phosphate, TSP, Tribasic sodium phosphate.
Appearance: Colorless, needle crystals; smaller than the dibasic crystals.
Uses: An alkali used as a substitute for caustic and carbonate alkali in negative development.
Used as a water softener. Good for cleaning and detoxifying vessels and trays that contained
fi xer.
SODIUM SULFANTIMONIATE
Synonyms: Sodium thioantimoniate, Schlippe’s salt.
Appearance: Large colorless or yellow crystals.
Uses: Toning bromides; negative intensifi cation.
SODIUM SULFATE
Synonyms: Dried sodium sulfate, Glauber’s salt, Sulfate of soda, Vitriolated soda.
Appearance: White powder.
Notes: In nonswelling acid rinse baths for roll fi lm and in tropical developers for use at high
temperatures. Store in a tightly sealed bottle and store in a cool place.
SODIUM SULFIDE
Synonyms: Sulfi de of soda.
Appearance: Colorless, or slightly yellow deliquescent crystals.
Uses: Sulfi de toning; silver recovery.
Caution: Should not be kept near light-sensitive materials as it tends to bring about their
deterioration. Has the odor of rotten eggs or a high school chemistry experiment. Store in a
tightly sealed bottle and store in a cool place. Do not handle with bare hands.