EP0258662B1

EP0258662B1 - Color photographs and method for preparation of the same

Info

Publication number: EP0258662B1
Application number: EP19870111265
Authority: EP
Inventors: Masakazu Fuji Photo Film Co. Ltd. Morigaki; Nobuo Fuji Photo Film Co. Ltd. Seto; Osamu Fuji Photo Film Co. Ltd. Takahashi; Hideaki Fuji Photo Film Co. Ltd. Naruse
Original assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co Ltd
Current assignee: Fujifilm Holdings Corp
Priority date: 1986-08-05
Filing date: 1987-08-04
Publication date: 1992-05-27
Also published as: EP0258662A2; DE3779375D1; EP0258662A3

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to color photographs and a method for preparation of the same, and more precisely, to color photographs and a method for preparation of color photographs having improved storability by chemically inactivating aromatic amine developing agents that exist in silver halide photographic materials after color development with storability improving agents.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Silver halide color photographic materials are imagewise exposed and developed with an aromatic amine series color developing agent, and the resulting oxidation product of the developing agent is reacted with a color image-forming coupler (hereinafter referred to as "coupler") in the material to give color images. In color photographic materials, in general, combinations of a yellow coupler, a cyan coupler and a magenta coupler are used.
In 1912, Fisher, et al. discovered the fundamental of color development, and various improvements of the color development system have heretofroe been noticeably effected. In particular, various improvements and studies have been extensively effected including, for example, shortening of development time, simplification of processing steps, re-use of waste solutions in development, reduction of the amount of replenishers, processing without water and removal of benzyl alcohol in consideration of preservation of the environment.
However, there still are many problems with conventional technical means. For instance, in actual development processing, a fresh processing solution is not used for each development procedure but the developer is replenished in accordance with the amount of the materials to be developed, and the replenishment of the developer causes some problems in the development procedure.
In general, a development processing solution comprises a color developer, a stop solution, a bleaching solution, a fixer or a blix and the procesing temperature is high, being 31 ° C to 43 C. Accordingly, the developing agent is decomposed when used for a long period of time or is oxidized by contact with air, or some components in the photographic materials as processed are dissolved out and precipitate in the processing solution during the processing of the materials, or the processing solution sticks to the materials as processed and is carried over into the next bath together with the materials, whereby the composition of the processing solution will often vary. A processing solution thus run for a long period of time becomes a so-called running solution. Under such situations, replenishment of deficient chemical components is effected and removal of undesired components is also effected, but these treatments are not satisfactory. Further, in the rinsing step, the amount of the rinsing water to be used is desired to be reduced or the rinsing step is desired to be effected without water because of a shortage of water resources, rise in city water costs, and other economical and environmental reasons. In such water-free treatment, however, inorganic components such as thiosulfates, sulfites or meta-bisulfites present in the processing solution as well as organic components such as a developing agent present in the developer solution enter into or adhere onto the photographic materials processed.
Further, in view of the deterioration of the composition of the treating solution as it is used, the reduction of the amount of the rinsing water in the rinsing step and the water-free processing step, it is evident that the amount of the components of the processing solution which enter into or adhere onto the photographic materials processed tends to increase remarkably.
On the other hand, regarding couplers to be incorporated into photographic materials, development of couplers capable of forming sharp cyan, magenta or yellow dyes with less side-absorption is being effected so as to attain a good color reproduction, and at the same time, development of highly active couplers capable of being color-developed in a short period of time is also being effected. Further, development of new additives capable of effectively inducing the excellent characteristics of these couplers is also being effected. Unfortunately, however, the newly induced characteristics often cause deterioration of the storability of the color photographs due to the reaction with the components of the processing solution that remain in the photographic materials after being processed.
It is known that the components of the processing solution that remain inn the photographic materials after development, especially the developing agent which is an aromatic primary amine compound and compounds derived therefrom, cause the deterioration of the fastness of the image formed, for example, because of the influence of light, heat, moisture, oxygen, during storage for a long period of time, or the compounds themselves self-couple or convert into colored substances by the action of any co-existing materials to form so-called "stains". This is a fatal defect in color photographs.
On the other hand, various studies have been made relating to the prevention of image deterioration and stain prevention, apart from the above-mentioned technical means. For instance, various technical ideas have been proposed, including the selective use of hardly color-fading couplers, the use of a anti-fading agent for preventing the color images formed from fading under light, and the use of an ultraviolet absorbent for preventing the color images formed from being deteriorated by ultraviolet rays.
In particular, the effect of preventing image deterioration by the use of an anti-fading agent is remarkable, and for example, hydroquinones, hindered phenols, tocopherols, chromans, coumarans and compounds derived from these compounds by etherifying the phenolic hydroxyl group therein (U.S. Patent 3,935,016, 3,930,866, 3,700,455, 3,764,337, 3,432,300, 3,573,050 and 4,254,216, British Patents 2,066,975 and 1,326,889 and Japanese Patent Publication No. 30462/76), are known as anti-fading agents.
However, these compounds are still insufficient to provide images of high quality, although the compounds are accepted as having the effect of anti-fading agents for preventing the fading or discoloration of image dyes formed. In addition, these compounds often cause variation in the hue of color images, generation of fog, occurrence of dispersion insufficiency or even formation of fine crystals in coated emulsions, and therefore, these compounds cannot be said to be able to display all-around effect for photographic use.
Recently certain kinds of amine series compounds have been proposed to be effective for the prevention of stains, for example, U.S. Patent 4,463,085 and 4,483,918, Japanese Patent Application (OPI) Nos. 218445/84 and 229557/84, (the term "OPI" as used herein refers to a "published unexamined Japanese patent application"). However, none of these conventional compounds has been sufficient for attaining the object.
On the other hand, it is known to add a I-aryl-3-pyrazolidone derivative, especially a precursor thereof, to layers of photographic materials, for example, in U.S. Patents 4,358,525, 4,465,762 and 4,552,917, Japanese Patent Application (OPI) Nos. 52055/80, 5330/80, 40245/82, 104641/82 and 121328/84, However, these compounds have, when added, the defect of deteriorating the light-fastness of the photographic materials, and especially, the color-faded degree of remarkable for 3-alkoxycarbonyloxy-2-pyrazolidone derivatives.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, one object of the present invention is to provide a method for preparation of color phtotgraphs whose white background parts do not fade even when stored or placed on exhibition for along period of time.
Another object of the present invnetion is to provide color photographic materials capable of forming color images, after being color developed, bleached and fixed, which do not deteriorate or fade by the color developing agent that remains in the photographic material.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide a method for forming color images in color photographic materials, which are free from any harmful side-effects, such as image deterioration or stain generation, caused by aromatic amine color developing agents that remain in the photographic materials, even when the photographic materials are processed with processing solutions from which a noticeable amount of components of the processing solutions would enter into or adhere onto the phtographic materials processed, such as processing solutions under a running state, rinsing solutions containing a small amount of water or water-free solutions, substantially benzyl alcohol-free color developers, or other processing solutions which would be a burden on color development.
The present inventors repeatedly studied various matters and as a result have found that the above-mentioned objects can effectively be attained by incorporating a storability-improving compound into a color photograph to be obtained by imagewise exposure, color development and bleaching and fixation of a color photographic material which contains a color image-forming coupler capable of forming a dye by an oxidation-coupling reaction of the silver halide emulsion layer as coated on the support of the material and an aromatic amine series color developing agent, in any stage of during the production of the photographic material, or during or after the color development, the storability-improving compound being able to form a chemical bond with the aromatic amine series developing agent to give a chemically inactive and substantially colorless compound.
The present invention was achieved on the basis of the above-described discovery.
Specifically, the subject matter of the present invention resides in a color photograph which contains a storability-improving compound capable of forming a chemical bond with an aromatic amine series color developing agent under the condition of a pH of 8 or less that remains in the photograph after the color development thereof, to give a chemically inactive and substantially colorless compound, in at least one photographic layer on the support of the photograph.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The aromatic amine series color developing agents as referred to herein include aromatic primary, secondary and tertiary amine compounds, and more precisely, there may be mentioned phenylenediamine series compound and aminophenol series compounds. Typical examples of these compounds are 3-methyl-4-amino-N,N-diethylaniline, 3-methyl-4-amino-N-ethyl-N-β-hydroxyethylaniline, 3-methyl-4-amino-N-ethyl-N-β-methanesulfonamidoethylaniline, 3-methyl-4-amino-N-ethyl-N-β-methoxyethylaniline, 4-methyl-2-amino-N,N-diethylaniline, 4-methyl-2-amino-N-ethyl-N-β-methanesulfonamidoethylaniline, 2-amino-N-ethyl-N-β-hydroxyethylaniline, 3-methyl-4-methylamino-N-ethyl-N-β-hydroxyethylaniline, 3-methyl-4-dimethylamino-N-ethyl-N-β-methanesulfonamidoethylaniline, 3-methyl-4-butylamino-N,N-diethylaniline, 3-methyl-4- acetylamino-N-ethyl-N-β-hydroxyethylaniline, 3-methyl-4-methanesulfonamido-N-ethyl-N-β-methanesul- fonamidoethylaniline, 3-methyl-4-benzylamino-N-ethyl-N-β-methanesulfonamidoethylaniline, 3-methyl-4-cyclohexylamino-N-ethyl-N-methylaniline and their sulfates, hydrochlorides, phosphates, p-toluenesulfonates, tetraphenylborates and p-(t-octyl)benzenesulfonates, as well as o-aminophenol, p-aminophenol, 4-amino-2-methylphenol, 2-amino-3-methylphenol and 2-hydroxy-3-amino-1,4-dimethylbenzene.
In addition, the compounds described in L.F.A. Mason's Photographic Processing Chemistry (by Focal Press), pages 226-229 (1966), U.S. Patents 2,193,015 and 2,592,364, Japanese Patent Application (OPI) No. 64933/73 can also be used.
The compounds capable of forming a chemical bond with the aromatic amine series color developing agent after color development to give a chemically inactive and substantially colorless compound are those represented by the following general formulae (I) and (II):
In the formulae, R₁ and R₂ each represents an aliphatic group, an aromatic group or a heterocyclic group; X represents a group capable of reacting with an aromatic amine developing agent to be revoved; A represents a group capable of reacting with an aromatic amine developing agent to form a chemical bond; n represents 1 or 0; B represnts a hydrogen atom, an aliphatic group, an aromatic group, a heterocyclic group, an acyl group or a sulfonyl group; Y represents a group capable of accelerating the addition of an aromatic amine developing agent to the compound of the formula (II); and R₁ and X, and Y and R₂ or B may be bonded together to form a cyclic structure (e.g., a cyclic acid anhydride, a succinimido ring).
In the reaction for forming a chemical bond with the remaining aromatic amine developing agent a substitution reaction and an addition reaction are typical reactions.
Among the compounds of the formulae (I) and (II) capable of reacting with the remaining aromatic amine series color developing agent, those of the formula (I) are preferred, more preferably compounds capable of reacting at a secondary reaction rate constant k₂ (80 ° C) with p-anisidine of from 1.0 liter/mol.sec. to 1 x 10-⁵ liter/mol.sec, most preferably compounds capable of reacting at a secondary reaction rate constant k₂ (80 ° C) with p-anisidine of from 1 × 10^-1 liter/mol.sec to 1 x 10-⁴ liter/mol.sec.
If the constant k₂ is larger than 1.0 liter/mol.sec., the compounds themselves are unstable and easy to react with gelatin or water to decompose. On the other hand, if the constant k₂ is smaller than 1 x 10-⁵ liter/mol.sec., the reaction rate in the reaction with the remaining aromatic amine developing agent is low, and as a result, the prevention of the side-effect of the remaining aromatic amine developing agent, which is the object of the present invention, tends to be reduced.
The method for measurement of the constant k₂ is explained in the examples to follow hereinafter.
The substituents in the compounds of the formulae (I) and (II) are explained in greater detail below.
The aliphatic group represented by R_i, R₂ and B means a linear, branched or cyclic alkyl, alkenyl or alkynyl group, which may optionally be substituted by substituent(s). The aromatic group represented by Ri, R₂ and B means either of a carbon-cyclic aromatic group (such as a phenyl group, a naphthyl group,) and a heterocyclic aromatic group (such as a furyl group, a thienyl group, a pyrazolyl group, a pyridyl group, an indolyl group,), which may be either a mono-cyclic system or a condensed cyclic system (such as a benzofuryl group, a phenanthridinyl group,). Fruther these aromatic rings can optionally have substituent(s).
The heterocyclic group represented by Ri, R₂ and B is preferably a group having a 3-membered to 10- membered cyclic structure which is composed of carbon, oxygen, nitrogen, sulfur and/or hydrogen atoms, and the hetero-ring itself may be a saturated ring or an unsaturated ring and may further by substitued by substituent(s) (for example, a coumarinyl group, a pyrrolidyl group, a pyrrolinyl group, a morpholinyl group,).
X represents a group capable of reacting with an aromatic amine developer to be removed and is preferably a group linked with A via an oxygen atom, a sulfur atom or a nitrogen atom (such as a 3-pyrazolyloxy group, a 3H-1,2,4-oxadiazolin-5-oxygroup, an aryloxy group, an alkoxy group, an alkylthio group, an arylthio group, a substituted N-oxy group) or a halogen atom. When X is a halogen atom, n is 0.
A represents a group capable of reacting with an aromatic amine developing agent to form a chemical bond and is, for example, a group containing a low electron density atom. This includes, for example,
In these groups, L represents a single bond, an alkylene group,
or
for example, a carbonyl group, a sulfonyl group, a sulfinyl group, a hydroxycarbonyl group, a phosphonyl group, a thiocarbonyl group, an aminocarbonyl group, a silyloxy group.

Y has the same meaning as Y in the formula (II), and Y' has the same meaning as Y.
R' and R" may be the same or differrent and each represents -L -Ro.
Ro has the same meaning as Ri. R represents a hydrogen atom, an aliphatic group (such as a methyl group, an isobutyl group, a t-butyl group, a vinyl group, a benzyl group, an octadecyl group, a cyclohexyl group,), an aromatic group (such as a phenyl group, a pyridyl group, a naphthyl group,), a heterocyclic group (such as a piperidinyl group, a pyranyl group, a furanyl group, a chromanyl group,), an acyl group (such as an acetyl group, a benzoyl group,) or a sulfonyl group (such as a methanesulfonyl group, a benzenesulfonyl group,).
L', L" and L'" each represents

In particular, A is preferably a divalent group as represented by
The storability-improving compound used in the present invention is different from the 3-alkoxycarbonyloxy-2-pyrazolidone derivative such as a development accelerator.
More preferable examples of the compound represented by the general formula (I) are those represented by the following general formulae (I-a), (I-b), (I-c) and (I-d) and which react with p-anisidine at a secondary reaction rate constant k₂ (80 ° C) within the range of 1 x 10^-1 liter/ mol*sec to 1 x 10-⁵ liter/mol* sec:

where R₁ has the same meaning as R₁ in formula (I); Link is a single bond or -O-; Ar denotes an aromatic group having the same meaning as defined for Ri, R₂ and B, except that no group useful as a photographic reducing agent such as a hydroquinone derivative of a catechol derivative will be released as a result of reaction with an aromatic amine series developing agent; Ra, Rb and Rc which may be the same or different each represents a hydrogen atom, or an aliphatic group, an aromatic group or a heterocyclic group having the same meaning as defined for R₁ , R₂ and B; Ra, Rb and Rc may further represent an alkoxy group, an aryloxy group, a heterocyclic oxy group, an alkylthio group, an arylthio group, a heterocyclic thio group, an amino group, an alkylamino group, an acyl group, an amino group, a sulfonamido group, a sulfonyl group, an alkoxycarbonyl group, a sulfo group, a carboxyl group, a hydroxyl group, an acyloxy group, a ureido group, a urethane group, a carbamoyl group or a sulfamoyl group, provided that Ra and Rb, or Rb and Rc, may combine to form a 5- to 7-membered hetero ring, which hetero ring may be further substituted by a substituent, or form a spiro ring or a bicyclo ring, or may be fused with an aromatic ring; Z₁ and Z₂ denotes the non-metallic atomic group necessary for forming a 5- to 7-membered hetero ring, which hertero ring may be further substituted by a substituent, or form a spiro ring or a bicyclo ring, or may be fused with an aromatic ring, except that Z₁ is not such a group that it will release a coupler, a 1-phenyl-3-pyrazolide as a result of reaction with an aromatic amine series developing agent.
Compounds of formulae (I-a) to (I-d), in particular, compounds of formula (I-a), may be adjusted to have a secondary reaction rate k₂ (80 °C) with p-anisidine in the range of from 1 x 10^-1 liter/mol.sec to 1 x 10-5 liter/rnol•sec by selecting appropriate substituents if Ar is a carbon-ring based aromatic group. Depending on the type of group denoted by Ri, the total of the Hammett's a value of the individual substituents is preferably at least 0.2, more preferably at least 0.4, most preferably at least 0.6.
If compounds of formula (I-a) or (I-b) are added during the manufacture of light-sensitive materials, the total number of carbon atoms in the compounds per se is preferably at least 13, and the more the carbon atoms that are present, the better.
In order to attain the objects of the present invention, the compound of formula (I) is preferably such that it will not decompose during development or subsequent processing.
Y in the formula (II) is preferably an oxygen atom, a sulfur atom, = N-R"₄ or
In the said groups, R"'₄, R and R each represents a hydrogen atom, an aliphatic group (such as a methyl group, an isopropyl group, a t-butyl group, a vinyl group, a benzyl group, an octadecyl group, a cyclohexyl group,), an aromatic group (such as a phenyl group, pyridyl group, a naphthyl group,), a heterocyclic group (such as a piperidyl group, a pyranyl group, a furanyl group, a chromanyl group,), an acyl group (such as an acetyl group, a benzoyl group,) or a sulfonyl group (such as a methanesulfonyl group, a benzenesulfonyl group,), and R"'5 and R"'₆ may be bonded together to form a cyclic structure.
Typical examples of these compounds are set forth below, but the compounds for use in the present invention are not whatsoever limited by them.
These storability-improving compounds used in the present invention can be synthesized by the known methods as described, for example, in E. Müler, Houben-Weyl Methoden Der Organischen Chemie, Georg Thieme Verlag, Stuttgart, Band VII and IX.
Examples of synthesis of typical compounds used in the present invention are set forth below.

SYNTHESIS EXAMPLE 1 (Synthesis of Compound 1-9):

Synthesis of 2-ethylhexyl-4-dodecylbenzenethiocarbonate (above-mentioned Compound 1-9):

150 ml of chloroform and 9.9 mol (0.071 mol) of triethylamine were added and dissolved in 18 g (0.065 mol) of 4-dodecylbenzenethiol and stirred at 25 ° C. To this was dropwise added' 13.3 g (0.068 mol) of 2-ethylhexyl chlorocarbonate. After stirring for 30 minutes, a cold aqueous hydrochloric acid solution was added to the reaction mixture for liquid separation, and the chloroform layer separated was washed three times with cold water and dried with Glauber's salt. After the Glauber's salt was filtrated out, the chloroform was distilled out and the remaining precipitate was purified by column chromatography. The product was oily. Yield: 17.2 g, 61.2%.

SYNTHESIS EXAMPLE 2 (Synthesis of Compound 1-13):

(i) Synthesis of 5-(3-hexadecyloxyphenyl)-3-hydroxy-1-phenylpyrazole:

60 ml of toluene and 10 g (0.12 mol) of manganese dioxide were added to 6.3 g (0.013 mol) of 4,5-dihydroxy-5-(3-hexadecyloxyphenyl)-3-hydroxy-1-phenylpyrazole and, heated and stirred for 2 hours on a steam bath. After inorganic substances were filtrated out, the remaining filtrate was concentrated and dried to a solid, and the solid product was crystallized in 20 ml of ethyl acetate. The product crystallized had a melting point of from 108 to 109°C. Yield: 5.8 g, 92.5%.

(ii) Synthesis of 3-(2-ethylhexyloxycarbonyloxy)-5-(3-hexadecyloxyphenyl)-1-phenyl-pyrazole (above-mentioned Compound 1-13):

50 ml of chloroform and 1.9 ml (0.014 mol) of triethylamine were added and dissolved in 5.3 g (0.011 mol) of 5-(3-hexadecyloxyphenyl)-3-hydroxy-1-phenylpyrazole and stirred at 25 °C. To this was dropwise added 2.3 g (0.012 mol) of 2-ethylhexyl chlorocarbonate. After stirring for 30 mintues, cold water was added to the reaction mixture for liquid separation, and the chloroform layer separated was washed two times with 50 ml of cold water and then dried with Glauber's salt. After the Glauber's salt was filtrated out, the chloroform was distilled out, and the remaining precipitate was purified by column chromatography. The product was oily. Yield: 5.7 g, 82%.

SYNTHESIS EXAMPLE 3 (Synthesis of Compound 1-24):

Synthesis of 4-heptyloxycarbonyloxy-pyridine (above-mentioned Compound 1-24):

100 ml of chloroform and 7.3 ml (0.052 mol) of triethylamine were added and dissolved in 4.5 g (0.040 mol) of 4-hydroxypyridine-monohydrate and stirred at 25 ° C. To this was dropwise added 8.9 g (0.050 mol) of heptyl chlorocarbonate. After stirring for 30 minutes, a cold aqueous hydrochloric acid solution was added to the reaction mixture for liquid separation, and the chloroform layer separated was washed two times with cold water and dried with Glauber's salt. After the Glauber's salt was filtrated out, the chloroform was distilled out and the remaining precipitate was purified by column chromatography and crystallized in ethanol. The product had a melting point of from 44 to 50 C. Yield: 7.5 g, 83%.

SYNTHESIS EXAMPLE 4 (Synthesis of Compound I-57):

Acetonitrile (150 ml) was added to 19.4 g of 3,3',5,5'-tetrachloro-4,4'-dihydroxybiphenylsulfone and 16.8 g of triethylamine with stirring. To the mixture, 21.2 g of 2-ethylhexyl chloroformate was added dropwise at room temperature. After continued stirring for 3 hours, extraction was conducted with ethyl acetate and the ethyl acetate layer was washed with water and dried. The concentrated ethyl acetate layer was purified by chromatography on silica gel column to obtain a white crystal of Compound I-57. Yield: 20.5 g, 58.4%. Melting point: 65 - 66 ° C.

SYNTHESIS EXAMPLE 5 (Synthesis of Compound 1-61):

Acetonitrile (300 ml) was added to 11.3 g of 3,3',5,5'-tetrabromobiphenylsulfone and 6.1 ml of triethylamine with stirring. To the mixture, 12.3 g of palmitic acid chloride was added dropwise at room temperature. After continued stirring for 5 hours, the reaction mixture was poured into 500 ml of water. The resulting crystal was recovered by filtration, washed with water and dried. Recrystallization with a mixed solvent of chloroform and ethyl acetate produced a crystal of Compound 1-61. Yield: 17.5 g, 84.0%. Melting point: 125 - 126 C.

SYNTHESIS EXAMPLE 6 (Synthesis of Compound 1-67):

Acetonitrile (300 ml) was added to 14.0 g of 3,3',5,5'-chloro-4,4'-dihydroxybiphenylsulfone and 11.2 ml of triethylamine with stirring. To the mixture, 22.0 g of palmitic acid chloride was added dropwise at room temperature. After completion of the addition, the internal temperature of the reaction system was elevated to 65 to 70 ° C and the mixture was stirred for 1 hour. After completion of the reaction, the reaction mixture was poured into 1,000 ml of water, and the resulting crystal was recovered by filtration, washed with water and dried. Recrystallization with a mixed solvent of chloroform and ethyl acetate produced a crystal of Compound 1-61. Yield: 19.7 g, 63.3%. Melting point: 125 - 126 C.

SYNTHESIS 7 (Synthesis of Compound !-110):

10.3 ml (0.0739 mol) of triethylamine was added to a solution of 15.8 g (0.0672 mol) of ethyl 3,5-dichloro-4-hydroxybenzoate in 158 ml of acetonitrile. Under stirring at 0°C, 27.3 g (0.0739 mol) of chlorocarbonyl-2-ethyl-2-(2,4-di(1,1-dimethylpropyl)phenoxy)ethyl was added dropwise at room temperature and the mixture was stirred for one hour and a half. To the reaction mixture, 800 ml of ethyl acetate was added and the ethyl acetate layer was washed with a saturated aqueous solution of sodium chloride and dried with Glauber's salt. After the Glauber's salt was filtered off, the filtrate was concentrated under vacuum to obtain 42.1 g of Compound I-110 in a crude form. The crude product was purified by column chromatography on silica gel (800 g) using a hexane/ethyl acetate mixture as an eluting solvent under varying concentrations of 100/1 to 20/1. Compound I-110 was obtained as a colorless oil. Yield: 35.8 g, 94%.
Regarding the addition of the compounds used in the present invention, those having a low molecular weight or those which are easily soluble in water can be added to processing solutions so that the compounds can be introduced into photographic materials during the processing procedure. Preferably, the compounds used in the present invention are added to photographic materials during the manufacture procedure. In the latter case, in general, the compound is dissolved in a single high boiling point solvent (oil) (b.p. 170°C or more under atmospheric pressure) or in a single low boiling poiint solvent or in a mixed solvent comprising the oil and a low boiling point solvent, and the resulting solution is emulsified and dispersed in an aqueous solution of a hydrophilic colloid such as gelatin to obtain the compound-containing emulsion. The compounds of the present invention are preferably those which are soluble in high boiling point organic solvents. The grain size of the grains in the emulsified dispersion is not specifically limitative but is preferably from 0.05 µm to 0.5 µm, especially preferred from 0.1 µm to 0.3 µm. Especially, in view of the effect of the present invention, the compounds used in the present invention are preferably those capable of co-emulsifying with couplers. In this case, the ratio of oil/coupler by weight is referably from 0.00 to 2.0.
The ratio of the compound used in the present invention in the emulsion is from 1 x 10-³ to 10 mols, preferably from 3 x 10-² to 5 mols, per mol of coupler.
As specific examples of the above-mentioned oils, there may be mentioned, for example, alkyl phthalates (e.g., dibutyl phthalate, dioctyl phthalate, diisodecyl phthalate, dimethoxyethyl phthalate,), phosphates (e.g., diphenyl phosphate, triphenyl phosphate, tricresyl phosphate, dioctylbutyl phosphate, monophenyl-p-t-butylphenyl phosphate, etc.), citrates (e.g., tributyl acetylcitrate,), benzoates (e.g., octyl benzoate,), alkylamides (e.g, diethyllaurylamide, dibutyllaurylamide,), fatty acid esters (e.g., dibutoxyethyl succinate, diethyl azelate,), trimesates (e.g., tributyl trimesate,), epoxy ring-containing compounds (e.g., compounds described in U.S. Patent 4,540,657,), phenols (e.g.,

etc.) and ethers (e.g., phenoxyethanol, diethylene glycol-monophenylether,).
As low boiling point solvents which are used as an auxiliary solvent, there may be mentioned organic solvents having a boiling point of from 30 C to 150°C under atmospheric pressure, for example, lower alkyl acetates such as ethyl acetate, isopropyl acetate and butyl acetate as well as ethyl propionate, methanol, ethanol, secondary butyl alcohol, cyclohexanol, fluorinated alcohols, methylisobutylketone, β-ethoxyethyl acetate, methylcellosolve acetate, acetone, methyl acetone, acetonitrile dioxane, dimethylformamide, dimethylsulfoxide, chloroform, cyclohexane,.
In place of the high boiling point organic solvents, not only oily solvents of additives such as couplers (including substances which are solid at room temperature, such as wax,.) but also latex polymers can be used. Otherwise, additives themselves, such as couplers, color mixing preventing agents, ultraviolet absorbents,, can be used as oily solvents.
As the latex polymers, those obtained from one or more monomers selected from acrylic acid, methacrylic acid and esters thereof (e.g., methyl acrylate, ethyl acrylate, butyl methacrylate,.), acrylamide, methacrylamide, vinyl esters (e.g., vinyl acetate, vinyl propionate,.), acrylonitrile, styrene, divinylbenzene, vinyl-alkylethers (e.g., vinyl-ethylether,), maleates (e.g., methyl maleate), N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone, N-vinylpyridine, 2- and 4-vinylpyridine,. The monomers can be used singly or in mixtures thereof.
As examples of surfactants to be used for dispersing the solution containing the compound used in the present inventoin singly or in the form of a mixture with a coupler into an aqueous protective colloid solution, there may be mentioned saponin as well as sodium alkyl-sulfosuccinates, sodium alkylbenzenesulfonates,.
The compounds used in the present invention can be used in the form of a mixture with a yellow coupler, a magenta coupler or a cyan coupler. In particular, the combined use of the compounds together with a magenta coupler is preferred for sufficiently attaining the effect of the present invention.
The couplers to be used in combination with the compound used in the present invention may be either 4-equivalent or 2-equivalent to silver ion and may also be in the form of a polymer or an oligomer. In addition, the couplers for use in combination may be either single or in the form of a mixture of two or more of the couplers.
Preferred examples of the couplers for use in the present invention are those represented by the following formulae:
In these formulae, R'₁, R₄ and R₅ each represents an aliphatic group, an aromatic group, a heterocyclic group, an aromatic amino group or a heterocyclic amino group; R'₂ represents an aliphatic group; R₃ and R₆ each represents a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, an aliphatic group, an aliphatic-oxy group or an acylamino group; R_s' represents a hydrogen atom or has the same meaning as R_s; R₇ and Rg each represents a substituted or unsubstituted phenyl group; R₈ represents a hydrogen atom, an aliphatic or aromatic acyl group or an aliphatic or aromatic sulfonyl group; Rio represents a hydrogen atom or a substituent; Q represents a substituted or unsubstituted N-phenylcarbamoyl group; Za and Zb each represents a methine group, a substituted methine group or =N-; Y₁, Y₂, Y₃, Y₄ and Y₅ each represents a hydrogen atom or a group capable of being removed in a coupling reaction with an oxidized product of a developing agent (hereinafter referred to as a "removing group").
In the formula (III), the typical examples of the substituents and those coupler are those described in U.S. Patents 4,518,687, 4,511,647, 3,772,002 and 4,564,590, Canadian Patent 625,822, and Japanese Patent Application (OPI) Nos. 39045/86 and 70846/87.
In the formula (IV), the typical examples of the substituents and these couplers are as described in U.S. Patents 2,772,162, 2,895,826, 4,334,011, 4,500,635, 4,565,777, 4,124,396 and 4,613,564, and Japanese Patent Application (OPI) No. 164555/84.
In the formulae (III) and (IV), R'₂ and R₃, and R₅ and R₆ each may form a 5-, 6- or 7-membered ring as described in U.S. Patents 4,327,173, 4,564,586 and 4,430,423, and Japanese Patent Application (OPI) No. 390441/86. Further, the typical examples of cyan couplers having an ureido group are those described in U.S. Patents 4,333,999, 4,451,559, 4,444,872, 4,427,767 and 4,579,813, and European Patent 067,689 Bl.
In the formula (V), the typical examples of the substituents and these couplers are those described in U.S. Patents 2,311,082, 2,343,703, 2,600,788, 2,908,573, 3,062,653, 3,152,896, 3,936,015, 4,310,619 and 4,351,897.
In the formula (VI), the typical examples of the substituents and these couplers are those described in U.S. Patents 4,500,630 and 4,540,654, Japanese Patent Application (OPI) Nos. 65245/86, 65246/86 and 147254/86, and European Patent 226,849.
In the formula (VIII), the typical examples of the substituents and these couplers are those described in U.S. Patents 4,622,287, 4,623,616, 3,408,194, 3,933,501, 4,046,575, 4,133,958 and 4,401,752.
In addition, R'₁, R'₂, R₃, or Y₁; R₄, R_s, R₆ or Y₂; R₇, R₈, R₉ or Y₃; R_io, Za, Ab or Y₄; and Q or Y₅ may form a dimer orhigher polymer.
The aliphaitc group as referred to herein means a linear, branched or cyclic alkyl, alkenyl or alkynyl group.
Specific examples of the couplers of the formulae (III) and (IV) are set forth below.
Specific examples of the couplers of the formulae (V) and (VI) are set forth below.
Specific examples of the couplers of the formula (VII) are set forth below.
The couplers of the formulae (III) to (VIII) and other compounds as mentioned above and methods for their preparation are described in various publications, for example, as mentioned below.
The cyan couplers of the formulae (III) and (IV) can be synthesized by known methods. For instance, the cyan couplers of the formual (III) can be synthesized by the methods descried in U.S. Patents 2,423,730 and 3,772,002,. The cyan couplers of the formula (IV) can be synthesized by the methods described in U.S. Patents 2,895,826, 4,333,999 and 4,327,173,.
The magneta couplers of the formula (V) can be synthesized by the methods described in Japanese Patent Application (OPI) Nos. 74027/74, 74028/74, 27930/73 and 33846/78, U.S. Patent 3,519,429,. The magenta couplers of the formula (VI) can be synthesized by the methods described in Japanese Patent Application (OPI) No. 162548/84, U.S. Patent 3,725,067, Japanese Patent Application (OPI) Nos. 171956/84 and 33552/85,.
The yellow couplers of the formula (VII) can be synthesized by the methods described in Japanese Patent Application (OPI) No. 48541/79, Japanese Patent Publication No. 10739/83, U.S. Patent 4,326,024, Research Disclosure, RD No. 18053,.
These couplers are generally added to emulsions in an amount of from 2 x 10-³ mol to 5 x 10^-1 mol, preferably from 1 x 10-² mol to 5 x 10-² mol, per mol of the silver in the emulsion layer.
The compounds used in the present invention can be used together with known anti-fading agents, and especially preferred anti-fading agents are (i) aromatic compounds represented by the following formula (VIII), (ii) amine compounds represented by the following formula (IX), or (iii) metal complexes comprising a center atom of copper, cobalt, nickel, palladium or platinum and at least one organic ligand having two or more conformations.
In the formula, Ri" represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group, an alkenyl group, an aryl group, a heterocyclic group of a group of
in which R₇", Rε" and Rg" may be the same or different and each represents an alkyl group, an alkenyl group, an aryl group, an alkoxy group, an alkenoxy group of an aryloxy group;

R₂", R₃", R₄", Rs" and R₆" may be the same or different and each represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group, an alkenyl group, an aryl group, an acylamino group, an alkylamino group, an alkylthio group, an arylthio group, an alkoxycarbonyl group, an aryloxycarbonyl group, a halogen atom or -0-R₁ "', in which R₁ has the same meaning as R₁"; ";
or R₁" and R₂" may be bonded together to form a 5-membered ring, a 6-membered ring or a spiro ring;
or R₂" and R₃", or R₃" and R₄" may be bonded together to form a 5-membered ring, a 6-membered ring or a spiro ring.

In the formula, R₁₀' represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group, an alkenyl group, an alkynyl group, an acyl group, a sulfonyl group, a sulfinyl group, an oxy-radical or a hydroxyl group; R₁₁, R₁₂, R₁₃ and R₁₄ may be the same or different and each represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group; and A represents a non-metallic atomic group necessary for forming a 5-membered, 6-membered or 7-membered ring.
In the substituents in the formulae (VIII) and (IX), those containing, even in part, an alkyl group, an aryl group or a heterocyclic group can further be substituted by substituent(s).
The typical examples of the substituents in the formulae (VIII) and (IX) are those described in Japanese Patent Application (OPI) No. 92945/87, pages 12 and 13, and the specific examples of the compounds of these formulae are the compound Nos. (A-1) through (A-60) described in Japanese Patent Application (OPI) No. 92945/87, pages 13 to 17 and additionally the following compounds.
The amount of the compound of the formulae (VIII) and (IX) to be added is from 10 to 400 mol%, preferably from 30 to 300 mol%, to the coupler. On the other hand, the amount of the metal complex to be added is from 1 to 100 mol%, preferably from 3 to 40 mol%, to the coupler.
In the photographic materials prepared, if the hydrophilic colloid layers contain a dye or an ultraviolet absorbent, these can be mordanted by a cationic polymer.
The photographic materials prepared can contain, as a color-fog inhibitor, a hydroquinone derivative, an aminophenol derivative, a gallic acid derivative or a nascorbic acid derivative.
The photographic materials prepared can contain an ultraviolet absorbent in the hydrophilic colloid layer. For instance, aryl group-substituted benzotriazole compounds (for example, as described in U.S. Patent 3,533,794), 4-thiazolidone compounds (for example, as described in U.S. Patents 3,314,794 and 3,352,681), benzophenone compounds (for example, as described in Japanese Patent Application (OPI) No. 2784/71), cinnamic acid ester compounds (for example, as described in U.S. Patents 3,705,805 and 3,707,375), butadiene compounds (for example, as described in U.S. Patent 4,045,229) or benzoxazole compounds (for example, as described in U.S. Patent 3,700,455) can be used. Ultraviolet-absorbing couplers (for example, a-naphthol series cyan dye-forming couplers and ultraviolet-absorbing polymers may also be used. These ultraviolet absorbents can be mordanted in speicifically determined layers.
The photographic materials can contain a water-soluble dye in the hydrophilic colloid layer as a filter dye or for the purpose of irradiation prevention or for any other various purposes. Such dyes include oxonole dyes, hemioxonol dyes, styryl dyes, merocyanine dyes, cyanine dyes and azo dyes. In particular, oxonol dyes, hemioxonol dyes and merocyanine dyes are especially useful.
As the binder or protective colloid which can be used for the emulsion layers of the photographic materials, gelatin is advantageously used, but other hydrophlic colloids can also be used singly or together with gelatin.
As gelatin, lime-processed gelatin as well as acid-processed gelatin can be used in the photographic materials. The details of the method for the preparation of gelatins is described in Arthur Veis, The Macromolecular Chemistry of Gelatin (by Academic Press, 1964).
In the photographic emulsion layers of the photographic light-sensitive materials to be used in the present invention, any of silver bromide, silver iodobromide, silver iodochlorobromide, silver chlorobromide and silver chloride can be used as a silver halide.
The mean grain size (the diameter of the grain when the grain has a spherical shape or resembles a spherical shape, or the mean value based on the projected area using the edge length as the grain size when the grain is a cubic shaped grain) of the silver halide grains in the phtographic emulsions is not specifically limitative but is preferably 2 _/1.m or less.
The grain size distribution of the silver halide emulsions may be narrow or broad, but a so-called monodispersed emulsion wherein the fluctuation value is 15% or less is preferably used in the present invention.
The silver halide grains in the photographic emulsions may have a regular crystal form such as cubic or octahedral or an irregular crystal form such as spherical or tabular, or further a composite form of these crystal forms. Also, the emulsions may be a mixture comprising grains of various crystal forms. In particular, the use of normal crystal grains is preferred.
In addition, a tabular grain silver halide emulsion wherein tabular silver halide grains having an aspect ratio (length/width) of 5 or more account for 50% or more of the total projected area of the silver halide grains may also be used.
The silver halide grains may have a different inner phase and surface layer phase. In addition, these may be of a surface latent image type capable of forming latent images mainly on the surface thereof or of an interanl latent image type capable of forming latent images mainly in the inside thereof.
The silver halide grains may also be formed, or physically ripened, in the presence of a cadmium salt, a zinc salt, a thallium salt, a lead salt, an iridium salt or a complex salt thereof, a rhodium salt or a complex salt thereof, an iron salt or a complex salt thereof.
The silver halide emulsions are generally subjected to chemical sensitization.
The photographic emulsions for use in the photographic materials of the present invention can contain various compounds so as to prevent the generation of fog in the manufacture step of the materials or during the storage or photographic processing of the materials or so as to stabilize the photographic characteristics of the materials. For example, various kinds of compounds which are known as an antifoggant or stabilizer can be added to the emulsions, and examples of such compounds are azoles, such as benzothiazolium salts, nitroimidazoles, nitrobenzimidazoles, chlorobenzimidazoles, bromobenzimidazoles, mercaptothiazoles, mercaptobenzothiazoles, mercaptobenzimidazoles, mercaptothiadiazoles, aminotriazoles, benzotriazoles, nitrobenzotriazoles, mercaptotetrazoles (especially 1-phenyl-5-mercaptotetrazole,), mercaptopyrimidines, mercaptotriazines,; thioketo compounds such as oxazolinethiones,; azaindenes such as triazaindenes, tetrazaindenes (especially 4-hydroxy-substituted (1,3,3a,7)tetrazaindenes,), pentazaindenes, etc.; ben- zenethiosulfonic acids, benzenesulfinic acids, benzenesulfonic acid amides.
The present invention can be applied to multi-layer and multi-color photographic materials having at least two emulsion layers of different spectral sensitivities on a support. Multi-layer natural color photographic materials generally have at least one red-sensitive emulsion layer, at least one green-sensitive emulsion layer and at least one blue-sensitive emulsion layer on a support. The disposition order of these emulsion layers can be selected according to the intended use. In general, the red-sensitive emulsion layer contains a cyan-forming coupler, the green-sensitive emulsion layer contains a magenta-forming coupler, and the blue-sensitive emulsion layer contains yellow-forming coupler, but as the case may be, different combinations can be used.
As the supports for use in the present invention, conventional ones which are generally used in photographic materials can be used, including cellulose nitrate film, cellulose acetate film, cellulose acetate- butyrate film, cellulose acetate-propionate film, polystyrene film, polyethylene terephthalate film, polycarbonate film, as well as laminates comprising the said films, thin glass film, paper,. In addition, papers coated or laminated with baryta or an a-olefin polymer, especially a polymer of an a-olefin having from 2 to 10 carbon atoms, such as polyethylene, polypropylene or ethylene-butene copolymer, as well as plastic film supports whose surface is roughened so as to improve the adhesiveness with other high molecular substances, as described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 19068/72, are usuable in the present invention, and these supports can yield a good result. Further, ultraviolet-setting resins can also be used.
As the support, transparent or opaque ones are selectively used in accordance with the intended object of thephotographic materials. In addition, dyes or pigments can be added to the supports so as to make them transparently colored.
Opaque supports include, in addition to naturally opaque supports such as paper, those formed by adding a dye or a pigment such as titanium oxide to a transparent film; as well as surface-processed plastic films as described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 19068/72; and completely light-shielding papers or plastics to which a carbon black, or a dye is added. The support generally has a subbing layer. In order to further improve the adhesiveness, the surface of the support cn be pre-treated, for example, by corona discharge, ultraviolet irradiation or flame-treatment.
As the color photographic materials to be used for preparing the color photographs of the present invention, conventional color photographic materials can be used, and in particular, color photographic materials for prints are especially preferred. Further, photographic materials to be processed by the color photographic process described in U.S. Patents 3,227,550, 3,227,551 and 3,227,552 and Temporarily Published U.S. Patent U.S. B. 351,673, etc.; in particular those to be processed by a color diffusion transfer photographic process, can also be used. In order to obtain color images by conventional photographic processing, the color photographic materials are required to be subjected to color photographic development processing, after being exposed. The color photographic development processing basically comprises a color development step, a bleaching step and a fixation step. The two steps of bleaching and fixation ca be carried out in one operation. Alternatively, a combination comprising color development, first fixation and then bleaching-fixation is also possible. The development step is optionally combined with various steps of pre-hardening, neutralization, first development (black-and-white development), image stabilization, rinsing, if desired. The processing temperature is generally 18°C or higher. Especially, the temperature is from 20 ° C to 60 ° C in most cases, and recently, the temperature is within the range of from 30 ° C to 60 ° C.
The color developer is an aqueous alkaline solution containing an aromaticprimary amine series color developing agent and having a pH value of 8 or more, preferably from 9 to 12.
After the step of fixation or bleaching-fixation, the photographic materials are generally subjected to rinsing in water. However, in place of the rinsing step in water, a simple step of only a so-called "stabilization" can also be effected with no substantial rinsing operation.
Preferred examples of aromatic primary amine series developing agents for use in the present invention are p-phenylenediamine derivatives, and specific examples thereof are set forth hereunder, which, however, are not limitative.

D-1: N,N-diethyl-p-phenylenediamine
D-2: 2-Amino-5-diethylaminotoluene
D-3: 2-Amino-5-(N-ethyl-N-laurylamino)toluene
D-4: 4-[N-ethyl-N-(#-hydroxyethyl)amino]aniline
D-5: 2-Methyl-4-[N-ethyl-N-(β-hydroxyethyl)amino]- aniline
D-6: N-Ethyl-N-(β-methanesulfonamidoethyl)-3-methyl- 4-aminoaniline
D-7: N-(2-amino-5-diethylaminophenylethyl)methane- sulfonamide
D-8: N,N-dimethyl-p-phenylenediamine
D-9: 4-Amino-3-methyl-N-methoxyethylaniline
D-10: 4-Amino-3-methyl-N-ethyl-N-β-ethoxyethylaniline
D-11: 4-Amino-3-methyl-N-ethyl-N-β-butoxyethylaniline

These p-phenylenediamine derivatives may also be in the form of salts such as sulfates, hydrochlorides, sulfites, p-toluenesulfonates,. The above-mentioned compounds are described in U.S. Patents 2,193,015, 2,552,241, 2,566,271, 2,592,364, 3,656,950 and 3,698,525, The concentration of the aromatic amine developing agent to be used in actual processing is from 0.1 g to 20 g, more preferably from 0.5 g to 10 g, per liter of the developer bath solution.
The color developer for use in the present invention can contain hydroxylamines, as are well known.
The processing temperature of the color developer in the practice of the present invention is preferably from 30 C to 50 C, more preferably from 33 C to 42 C. The amount of the replenisher in the color development step is from 30 ml to 2000 ml, preferably from 30 ml to 1500 ml, per m² of the photographic materials being processed. In view of the necessity for reducing the amount of wastes, a small amount of the replenisher is better.
If the color developer contains benzyl alcohol, the amount of the benzyl alcohol is preferably 2.0 ml/liter or less, more preferably 0.5 ml/liter or less. No benzyl alcohol is most preferred. The color development time is preferably within 2 minutes and 30 seconds or less, more preferably within the range of from 10 seconds to 2 minutes and 30 seconds. The most preferred range is from 45 seconds to 2 minutes.
The following examples are intended to illustrate the present invention but not to limit it in any way.
Unless otherwise specified, all percents, ratios, are by weight.

EXAMPLE 1

5 g of a dye obtained by oxidation-coupling reaction of the above-metnioned Cyan Coupler (C-1) and 4-amino-3-methyl-N-ethyl-N-β-(methanesulfonamido)ethylaniline (the dye is referred to as Dye (C-1), and the same shall apply hereinafter with respect to the naming of dyes) was dissolved in 20 ml of tricresyl phosphate and 20 ml of ethyl acetate, and the resulting solution was emulsified and dispersed in 80 g of a gelatin solution containing 8 ml of aqueous 1%-sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate solution.
Next, sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate was added to the emulsified dispersion as a coating auxiliary agent and then coated on a paper support both surfaces of which had been laminated with polyethylene.
The amount of the dye coated was so controlled that the color density as measured with Macbeth Densitometer RD-514 Type (Status AA Filter) was 1.0.
A gelatin protective layer (containing 1 g/m² of gelatin) was coated over the layer, to obtain Sample (A).
In the same manner as above, other Samples (A-1) through Samples (A-13) were manufactured, using the combinations as shown in the following Table 1 in the preparation of the respective emulsified dispersions.
The samples thus obtained were stored in the dark at room temperature for 2 months. In order to test the light-fastness of each sample, the samples were subjected to a color fading test for 500 hours with a xenon tester (illuminance: 100,000 luxes) provided with an ultraviolet absorbing filter (by Fuji Photo Film) cutting a light of 400 nm or less, and the color retention (percentage) was obtained for each sample. The results are set forth in Table 1.

(Comparative Compound A)
Compound described in British Patent 1,326,889 as an anti-fading agent.
(Comparative Compound B)
Compound described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 30462/76.
(Comparative Compound C)
Compound described in Japanese Patent Application (OPI) No. 104641/84.

As is apparent from Table 1, the addition of the compound used in the present invention is effective for improving the fastness against the deterioration of the fastness caused by the developing agent remaining in the photographic material processed. The degree of the effect could not be anticipated from any known anti-fading agents.

EXAMPLE 2

In the same manner as Example 1, except that the Dye (C-1) in the Sample (A) was replaced by a dye obtained by oxidation-coupling reaction of the Magenta Coupler (M-1) and 4-amino-3-methyl-N-ethyl-N-{3-(methanesulfonamido)ethylaniline, Sample (B) was prepared. In addition, Samples (B-1) through (B-26) were also prepared, using the combinations as shown in Table 2.
These samples were stored for 2 months in the dark in the same manner as in Example 1. These were subjected to a color-fading test with a xenon tester for 200 hours, and the color retention (percentage) was obtained for each sample. The results are set forth in Table 2.

(Comparative Compound D)
Compound described in U.S. Patent 3,764,337
(Comparative Compound E)
Compound described in U.S. Patent 3,930,866
(Comparative Compound F)
Compound described in U.S. Patent 3,573,050

As is apparent from Table 2, the compounds used in the present invention are extremely effective for preventing the deterioration of image quality caused by developing agents, although the fastness of images is deteriorated because of the existence of the developing agents remaining in the photographic materials. The effect could not be anticipated from any know compounds.

EXAMPLE 3

In the same manner as in Example 1, except that the Dye (C-1) in the Sample (A) was replaced by a dye obtained by a coupling reaction of the Yellow Coupler (Y-35) and 4-amino-3-methyl-N-ethyl-N-{3-(methanesulfonamido)ethylaniline, Sample (C) was prepared. In addition, Samples (C-1) through Samples (C-12) were also prepared, using the combinations as shown in Table 3.
These samples were stored for 2 months in the dark in the same manner as in Example 1. In order to test the light-fastness of each samle, these samples were subjected to a color-fading test in the same manner as in Example 1 with a xenon tester for 800 hours. In addition, in order to test the heat-resistance of each sample, the samples were stored in the dark for 500 hours at 100 C. The results of the color retention (percentage) of each sample are shown in Table 3.
As apparent from Table 3, the addition of the compound used in the present invention is extremely effective for improving the fastness to light and heat, and the color fading caused by the developing agent was effectively prevented.

EXAMPLE 4

P-anisidine and the compound of the formula (I) of the present invention were dissolved in trinonyl phosphate each in a concentration of 0.03 mol/liter. 10 ml of the mixture was heated in a thermostatic bath at 80 ° C, whereupon the reaction was followed by high performance liquid chromatography to obtain the secondary reaction rate constant.
The secondary reaction rate constants k₂ of specific compounds thus obtained are shown in Table 4.

EXAMPLE 5

Plural layers comprising the first layer (undermost layer) to the second layer (uppermost layer) as described below were coated in order on a paper support both surfaces of which had been laminated with polyethylene, to obtain a color photographic material sample.
The polethylene-laminated paper support contained a white pigment (such as Ti0₂) and a bluish dye (such as ultramarine) in the polyethylene in the side of the first layer.
As the spectral sensitizer for the respective emulsions, the following dyes were used.

Blue-sensitive Emulsion Layer:

(Amount added: 2 x 10^-4 mol per mol of silver halide)

Green-sensitive Emulsion Layer:

(Amount added: 2.5 x 10^-4 mol per mol of silver halide)

Red-sensitive Emulsion Layer

(Amount added: 2.5 x 10^-4 mol per mol of silver halide)

Solvent (a):

Color Mixing Preventing Agent (b):

Solvent (c)

Mixture (2/1 by weight) of the following compounds

Ultraviolet Absorbent (d):

Mixture (1/5/3 by m_ol) of the following compounds

Solvent (e):

Color Image Stabilizer (f):

Mixture (1/3/3 by mol) of the following compounds
As the anti-irradiation dye for the respective layers, the following dyes were used.

Green-sensitive Emulsion Layer:

Red-sensitive Emulsion Layer

In the same manner as the preparation of the above-mentioned sample, except that the magenta coupler and the cyan coupler were removed from the third layer and the fifth layer, respectively, and the above-mentioned Compound (Y-35) was used in place of the yellow coupler in the first layer, Sample (D) was obtained. In addition, Sample (D-1) through Sample (D-25) were also prepared in the same manner as the preparation of Sample (D), except that the combination of the yellow coupler and the compound of the invention as shown in the following Table 5 was used.
Next, the samples thus prepared were exposed to light through an optical wedge and then processed in accordance with the following process (A) or (B) to form color images in the respective samples.

Process (A):

The samples exposed were subjected to running development with Fuji Color Roll Processor FMPP 1000 (partly modified) (by Fuji Photo Film Co.) under the conditions described below.
The rinsing step was carried out by means of a three tank-countercurrent system, where a replenisher was replenished into the rinsing tank (3), the solution overflown from the rinsing tank (3) was introduced into the bottom of the rinsing tank (2), the solution overflown from the rinsing tank (2) was introduced into the bottom of the rinsing tank (1), and the solution overflown from the rinsing tank (1) was drained out therefrom. The amount of the processing solution as taken out from the previous bath into the next bath together with the photographic paper being processed in this system was 25 ml per m² of the paper.
The processing solutions in the respective tanks and the replenishers had the following compositions:

Process (B):

The processing solutions and the replenishers were same as those used in the process (A).
Next, the yellow reflection density in the non-image part of each of the samples as processed by the above-mentioned process was measured after one hour from the processing. In addition, after being left at 80 ° C (10 to 15% RH) for 7 days or after being left at 80 ° C (70% RH) for 8 days, the yellow reflection density in the non-image part of each sample was also measured. The results are shown in the following Table 5.

Comparative Compound (G):
Compound described n U.S. Patent 4,483,918
Comparative Compound (H):
Compound described in U.S. patent 4,463,085
Comparative Compound (I):
Compound described in Japanese Patent Application (OPI) No. 218445/84
Comparative Compound (J):
Compound described in Japanese Patent Application (OPI) No. 229557/84

Table 5 indicates that in the process B where the rinsing and bleach-fixing time was long and the amount of the replenisher in the respective processing steps was sufficient, there occurred no problem of yellow stain in the samples processed, while in the process A where the processing time was short and the amount of replenisher was small, the samples processed had noticeable yellow stain. Even under such circumstances, the yellow stain was sufficiently prevented by the addition of the compound used in the present invention.
On the contrary, the addition of the comparative compounds which were used in conventioanl means was quite ineffective for prevention of the yellow stain.

EXAMPLE 6

In the same manner as Example 5, the plural layers as mentioned in Example 5 were coated in order on a paper support both surfaces of which had been laminated with polyethylene to prepare color photographic material samples.
Specifically, the yellow coupler and the magenta coupler were removed from the first layer and the fifth layer, respectively, and the above-mentioned Compound (M-28) was used as the magenta coupler in the third layer, to obtain Sample (E). Further, Sample (E-1) through Sample (E-28) were also prepared in the same manner as the preparation of Sample (E), except that the combination of the magenta coupler and the compound used in the invention as shown in the following Table 6 was used.
The samples thus prepared were exposed to light through an optical wedge and then processed for color development in accordance with the following process where the developing agent and other processing solutions used were so constituted that they would easily remain in the photographic samples processed to form stains thereon, especially for the purpose of clearly demonstrating the effect of the present invention.
The respective processing solutions had the following compositions:
Next, the magenta reflection density (stain) in the non-image part of each sample was measured with a green light by a Fuji-type Auto-densitometer, after one hour from the development. Further, the magenta reflection density (stain) in the non-image part of each sample was also measured, after the samples were left at 80 ° C (70% RH) for 3 days or were left at room temperature for 50 days. The results are set forth in Table 6, where the increment of the stain from that measured one hour after the color development is shown.
Table 6 clearly indicates that the effect of preventing the generation of stains after storage by the use of the compounds used in the invention is remarkable as compared with the use of the conventional known comparative compounds.

EXAMPLE 7

In the same manner as Example 5, the plural layers as mentioned in Example 5 were coated in order on a paper support both surfaces of which had been laminated with polyethylene to prepare color photographic material samples.
Speicifically, the yellow coupler and the magenta coupler were removed from the first layer and the third layer, respectively, and the above-mentioned Compound (C-2) was used as the cyan coupler in the fifth layer, to obtain Sample (F). Further, Sample (F-1) through Sample (F-21) were also prepared in the same manner as the preparation of Sample (F), except that the combination of the cyan coupler and the compound used in the invention as shown in the following Table 7 was used.
The samples thus prepared were exposed to light and processed for color development in the same manner as Example 6. After being processed, the cyan relfection density in the non-image part of each sample was measured with a red light by a Fuji-Type Auto-Densitometer. Further, th cyan reflection density in the non-image part of each sample was also measured, after the samples were left at 80 ° C (70% RH) for 3 days or were left at 80 ° C (dry, 10 to 15% RH) for 5 days. The results are set forth in Table 7.
Table 7 clearly indicates that the effect of preventing the generation of stains after storage by the use of the compounds used in the invention is remarkable, and the level of the effect is high which could not be attained by any conventional technical arts.

EXAMPLE 8

In the same manner as Example 5, the first to seventh layers were coated on a paper suport both surfaces of which has been laminated with polyethylene to prepare color photographic material samples.
Specifically, the above-mentioned Compound (Y-35) was used as the yellow coupler in the first layer, the above mentioned Compound (M-23) was used as the magenta coupler in the third layer, and a mixture (1/1 by mol) of the above mentioned Compounds (C-2) and (C-14) was used as the cyan coupler in the fifth layer, to obtain Sample (G). Further, Samples (G-1) through (G-12) were also prepared in the same manner as the preparation of Sample (G), except that the combination of the magenta coupler and the compound used in the invention as shown in the following Table 8 was used.
These samples were exposed to light through an optical wedge and the processed for color development in accordance with the following process.
The respective processing solutions had the following compositions:
Using the above-mentioned processing solution, the color development was carried out in a conventional roller-transport type developing machine whereupon the replenishment of the replenishers was effected normally and the processing solutions used had almost equilibrated compositions.
Next, the magenta reflection density (stain) in the non-image part of each sample was measured after one hour from the development. Further, the magenta reflection density (stain) in the non-image part of each sample was also measured, after the samples were left at 80°C (70% RH) for 3 days or were left at room temperature for 50 days. The results are set forth in Table 8, where the increment of the stain from that measured in one hour after the color development is shown.
As is apparent from Table 8, the effect of preventing the generation of stains after storage by the compounds of the present invention is remarkable, and in particular, the compounds used in the invention are sufficiently effective even when the composition of the development processing solution used does not vary but is constant.

EXAMPLE 10

A color photographic material (Sample H) was prepared as follows:

The following first to eleventh layers were coated on a paper support both surfaces of which had been laminated with polyethylene to obtain the color photographic material. The polyethylene coated on the side of the first layer contained titanium white as a white pigment and a slight amount of ultramarine as a bluish dye.

The light-sensitive layers had the following compositions. All the amounts coated were designated by the unit of g/m², whereas the amount of the silver halide coated was designated by the unit of g/m² as Ag.
The compounds used in the above-mentioned layers are as follows:

(^*1) Dioctyl phthalate
(^*2) 2-(2-Hydroxy-3-sec-butyl-5-t-butylphenyl)benzotriazole
(^*3) 2-[α-(2,4-di-t-amylphenoxy)butanamido]-4,6-dichloro-5-ethylphenol]
(^*4) 5,5'-Dichloro-3,3'-di(3-sulfobutyl)-9-ethylthia-carbocyanine/Na-salt
(*5) Triethylammonium 3-[2-{2-[3-(3-sulfopropyl)naphtho(1,2-d)thiazolin-2-ylidenemethyl]-1-butenyl}-3-naphtho(1,2-d)thiazolino]propanesulfonate
(^*6) Polyethyl acrylate
(^*7) Trioctyl phosphate
(^*8) 2,4-Di-t-hexylhydroquinone
(^*9) Di-(2-hydroxy-3-t-butyl-5-methylphenyl)methane
(*10) 3,3,3',3'-Tetramethyl-5,6,5',6'-tetrapropoxy-1,1'-bisspiroindane
(*11) 3-(2-Chloro-5-tetradecanamidonailino )-1-(2,4,6-trichlorophenyl)-2-pyrazolin-5-one
(^*12) 5,5'-Diphenyl-9-ethyl-3,3'-disulfopropyloxacarbocyanine/Na-salt
(^*13) O-cresyl phosphate
(^*14) 2,4-Di-t-octylhydroquinone
(^*15) α-Pivaloyl-a-[(2,4-dioxo-1 -benzyl-5-ethoxyhydantoin-3-yl)-2-chloro-5-(a-2,4-dioxo-5- amylphenoxy)butanamino]acetanilide
(^*16) Teithylammonium 3-[2-(3-benzylrhodanine-5-ylidene)-3-benzoxazolinyl]propanesulfonate
(^*17) 2,4-Di-sec-octylhydroquinone
(^*18) Trinonyl phosphate
(^*19) 5-Chloro-2-(2-hydroxy-3-t-butyl-5-t-octyl)phenylbenzotriazole

In the same manner as the preparation of Sample (H), except that the combination of the Magneta Coupler and the compound used in the invention as shown in the following Table 9 was used in the fifth and sixth layers in place of the Magenta Coupler of Sample (H), Sample (H-1) through (H-6) were also prepared.
These samples thus prepared were exposed to light through an optical wedge and then processed for color development in accordance with the following procedure.
The processing solutions used had the following compositions.
Next, the magenta reflection density (stain) in the non-image part of each sample was measured after the development. Further, the magenta reflection density (stain) in the non-image part of each sample was also measured, after the samples were left at 80 ° C (70% RH) for 3 days or were left at room temperature for 80 days. The results are set forth in Table 9, where in increment of the stain from that measured at one hour after the color development is shown.
As is apparent from Table 9, the effect of preventing the generation of stains after storage by the compounds used in the present invention is remarkable, and the effect does not vary but is constant even when the constitution of the photographic materials to be processed and the process for the development vary.

EXAMPLE 11

A color photographic material ws prepared by multiple-coating the first to the fourteenth layers (see below) on a paper support laminated with polyethylene on both sides. The polyethylene on the side to be coated with the first layer contained titanium white as a white pigment and a slight amount of ultramarine as a bluish dye.

Composition of light-sensitive layers

The compositions of the light-sensitive layers employed are indicated below in terms of components and the amounts coated, the latter being designated by the unit of g/m^2. The amount of silver halide coated is designated in terms of silver deposit. All of the emulsions except the one incorporated in the 14th layer were prepared by the following method.

Preparation of emulsions

Aqueous solutions of potassium bromide and silver nitrate were added simultaneously under vigorous agitation at 75 ° C over a period of about 20 minutes to an aqueous solution of gelatin containing 0.3 g of 3,4-dimethyl-1,3-thiazoline-2-thione per mole of Ag. As a result, a monodispersed silver bromide emulsion comprising octahedral grains with mean size of 0.40 µm was obtained. The emulsion was chemically sensitized by heating at 75 ° C for 80 minutes in the presence of 6 mg of sodium thiosulfate and 7 mg of chloroauric acid (tetrahydrate) per mole of Ag. Further crystal growth was conducted in the same precipitation environment as employed above, with the previously prepared AgBr grains used as core grains. As a result of this crystal growth, a monodispersed core/shell type AgBr emulsion comprising octahedral grains with an average size of 0.7 µm was finally obtained. The coefficient of variation in grain size was 10%.
The emulsion was chemically sensitized by heating at 60°C for 60 minutes in the presence of 1.5 mg of sodium thiosulfate and 1.5 mg of chloroauric acid (tetrahydrate) per mole of Ag, so as to prepare a silver halide emulsion for internal latent image type.

Eighth Layer (Interlayer)

Same as the fifth layer.

Tenth Layer:

Same as the fifth layer.
Each of the light-sensitive layers contained 10-³ wt% of N-I-9 (as a nucleating agent) and 10-² wt% of ExZS-1 (as a nucleation accelerator) on the basis of the silver halide deposit in each layer.
Each of the 1 st to 14th layers contained Alkanol XC (product of Dupont) and a sodium alkylbenzenesul- fonate as emulsification and dispersion aids, and a succinic acid ester and Magefac F-120 (product of Dainippon Ink & Chemicals, Inc.) as coating aids. Stabilizers (Cpd-19, 20 and 21) were incorporated in the silver halide or colloidal silver containing layers. The sample prepared using the above-mentioned layers was designated (I). The compounds employed in this example are identified below.
Additional samples were prepared by the same procedures as employed for the preparation of sample (I), except that the magenta couplers and Cpd-10 in the 6th and 7th layers were changed to those indicated in Table 10.
The damples thus prepared were exposed to light through an optical wedge, then processed for color development in accordance with Processing Scheme C.
In the next place, the magenta reflection density (stain) in the non-image area of each sample was measured after the development. Further, the magenta reflection density (stain) in the non-image area of each sample was also measured, after the samples were left at 80 ° C (70% RH) for 3 days or were left at room temperature and 80 days. The results are set forth in Table 11, where the increment of the stain from that measured at one hour after the color development is shown.

Solv-1 Di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate
Solv-2 Trinonyl phosphate
Solv-3 Di(3-methylhexyl)phtahlate
Solv-4 Tricresyl phosphate
Solv-5 Dibutyl phthalate
Solv-6 Trioctyl phosphate
Solv-7 Trioctyl sebacate
H-1 1,2-bis(vinylsulfonylacetamido)ethane

Processing Scheme C:

Rinsing water was replenished by the "countercurrent replenishing system" in which the rinse bath (2) was replenished, with the overflow from the rinse bath (2) being introduced into the rinse bath (1).
pH adjustment was achieved by addition of potassium hydroxide or hydrochloric acid.
pH adjustment was achieved by addition of aqueous ammonia or hydrochloric acid.

Rinsing Water:

Pure water was used.
Pure water was obtained from tap water that had been subjected to an ion-exchange treatment so that all cations other than hydrogen ions and all anions except hydroxyl ions were reduced to concentration of no more than 1 ppm.
Substantially the same results as shown in Table 10 were attained even when the emulsions were changed from silver bromide emulsions to silver chlorobromide emulsions having varying concentrations of silver chloride (0.5 to 99.5 mol%).
The samples were subjected to a color-fading test with a xenon lamp under the same condition as employed in Example 2. All samples exhibited high resistance to color fading by light except that sample I was inferior to samples 1-1 and 1-7. As is clear from these results and from the data shown in Table 11, the compounds used in the present invention are highly effective in preventing the occurrence of stains in mangenta image during storage. In addition, the compounds have a noticeable capability of improving resistance to color fading by light.
The compounds used in Examples 12 to 14 are shown below.
Sensitizing Dyes:

Solv-1 Di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate
Solv-2 Trinonyl phosphate
Solv-3 Di(3-methylhexyl)phthalate
Solv-4 Tricresyl phosphate
Solv-5 Dibutyl phthalate
Solv-6 Trioctyl phosphate

EXAMPLE 12

A multi-layered color photographic paper J was prepared by coating a plurality of layers as shown below on a paper support laminated with polyethylene on both sides. The necessary coating solutions were prepared in the following manner.

Preparation of First Layer Coating Solution:

10.2 g of yellow coupler ExY-1), 9.1 g of yellow coupler (ExY-2) and 4.4 g of a color image stabilizer (Cpd-12) were dissolved in 27.2 cc of ethyl acetate and 7.7 cc (8.0 g) of a high-boiling point solvent (Solv-5) and the resulting solution ws emulsified and dispersed in 185 cc of a 10% aqueous gelatin solution containing 8 cc of 10% sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate. The resulting emulsified dispersion was mixed with emulsins EM-1 and EM-2 (see below) and a solution was made. The concentration of gelatin in the solution was so adjusted as to provide the composition indicated below. The so prepared solution was used as a coating solution for the first layer. Coating solutions for the second to seventh layers were prepared in a similar manner. A sodium salt of 1-oxy-3,5-dichloro-s-triazine was used as a gelatin hardener in each of the layers.

Layer Composition:

The compositions of the individual layers are shown below, in whch the numerals denote the amounts of individual components added (g/m²) except that the amounts of silver halide emulsions are expressed in terms of silver deposit.

Support:

Polyethylene Laminated Paper

(containing a white pigment (Ti0₂) and a bluish dye in the polyethylene on the side to be coated with the first layer)

The sample prepared in this example contained CPd-15 and Cpd-22 as anti-irradiation dyes.
Each of the 1 st to 7th layers contains Alkanol XC (product of Dupont) and a sodium alkylbenzenesul- fonate as emulsification and dispersion aids, and a succinic acid ester and Magefacx F-120 (product of Dainippon Ink & Chemicals, Inc.) as coating aids. Silver halides were stabilized by incorporation of Cpd-19 and 21. The silver halide emulsions employed in this example are characterized below.
Additional samples were prepared in the same manner as described above except that the magenta coupler in the third layer (green-sensitive layer) of Sample J was replaced by equimolar amounts of the magenta couplers shown in Table 11 which were combined with selected storability-improving compounds of the present invention as indicated in Table 11.
The samples thus prepared were exposed to light through an optical wedge, then processed by the following process (I) to form color images.

Process (I):

The samples exposed were subjected to running development with a Fuji Color Paper Processor FPRP 115 (Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.) under the conditions described below.
In the next place, the magenta reflection density (stain) in the non-image area of each of the light-sensitive materials was measured after the development. Further, the magenta reflection density (stain) in the non-image area of each sample was also measured, after the samples were left at 80 ° C (70% RH) for 3 days or were left at room temperature for 50 days. The results are set forth in Table 11, where the increment of the stain from that measured at one hour after the color development is shown.
As will be clear from Table 11, the compounds used in the present invention are highly effective against magenta staining.

EXAMPLE 13

A sample prepared as in Example 12 was exposed to light through an optical wedge and subsequently processed by one of the following processes (II) to (V). Evaluation of resistance to magenta staining that was conducted as in Example 12 showed that the comparative samples experienced increased magenta staining whereas the samples incorporating the compounds used in the present invention were substantially free from detectable stain.

Process (II):

Rinsing Solution

lon-exchanged water (Ca, Mg ≦ 3 ppm each)

Process (III):

The processing solutions had the following compositions.

Bleach-fixing Solution

(Same for both Tank Solution and Replenisher):

Stabilizing Solution

(Same for both Tank Solution and Replenisher):

Process (IV):

The samples exposed were subjected to running development with Fuji Color Roll Processor FMPP 1000 (partly modified) (by Fuji Photo Film Co.) under the conditions described below.
The rinsing step was carried out by means of a three tank-countercurrent system, where a replenisher was replenished into the rinsing tank (3), the solution overflown from the rinsing tank (3) was introduced into the bottom of the rinsing tank (2), the solution overflown from the rinsing tank (2) was introduced into the bottom of the rinsing tank (1), and the solution overflown from the rinsing tank (1) was drained out therefrom. The amount of the processing solution as taken out from the previous bath into the next bath together with the photographic paper being processed in this system was 25 ml pr m² of the paper.
The processing solutions in the respective tanks and the replenishers had the following compositions:

Rinsing Solution

Process (V):

The processing solutions and the replenishers were same as those used in the process (IV).

EXAMPLE 14

Additional samples were prepared as in Example 12 except that the silver halide emulsions (EM-1 to EM-6) employed in the light-sensitive materials prepared in Example 12 were respectively replaced by silver halide emulsions (EM-7 to EM-12) characterized below, or that couplers ExC-1 to ExC-6 were used as cyan couplers.
The performance of the samples was evaluated as in Example 12 and the compounds used in the present invention proved to be equally effective in preventing the occurence of stains in magenta image irrespective of variations in emulsions or couplers in layers other than magenta-forming layers.
The effect of the present invention is apparent from the above description, which is summarized as follows: using the compounds capable of forming a chemically inactive and substantially colorless compound by forming a chemical bond with an aromatic amine series color developing agent that remains in the photographic materials after being processed for color development, the deterioration of the image quality of the color photographs prepared and the generation of stains in the photographs, which would occur after being stored for a long period of time, can effectively be prevented. This effect can sufficiently be attained even when the photographic materials are processed with processing solutions from which a noticeable amount of components of the processing solutions would enter into or adhere onto the photographic materials processed, such as processing solutions under running state, rinsing solutions containing a small amount of water or water-free rinsing solutions, substantially benzyl alcohol-free color developers or when the photographic materials are processed with other processing solutions which would be a burden on color development.

Claims

1. A color photograph containing a storability-improving compound capable of forming a chemical bond with an aromatic amine series color developing agent that remains in a photographic material after having been processed for color development, under the condition of a pH of 8 or less to give a chemically inactive and substantially colorless compound in at least one photographic layer on a support, characterized in that the storability-improving compound is selected from compounds of general formula (I) and (II):

in which R₁ and R₂ each represents an aliphatic group, an aromatic group or a heterocyclic group; X represents a group capable of reacting with an aromatic amine developing agent to be removed; A represents a group capable of reacting with an aromatic amine developing agent to form a chemical bond; n represents 1 or 0; B represents a hydrogen atom, an aliphatic group, an aromatic group, a heterocyclic group, an acyl group or a sulfonyl group; Y represents a group capable of accelerating the addition of an aromatic amine developing agent to the compound of the formula (II); and R₁ and X, and Y and R₂ or B may be bonded together to form a cyclic structure.

2. A color photograph as claimed in claim 1, wherein the storability-improving compound has a secondary reaction rate constant k₂ (80 °C) with p-anisidine in the range of from 1.0 liter/mol'sec to 1 x 10-⁵ liter/mol sec.

3. A color photograph as claimed in claim 2, wherein the storability-improving compound has a secondary reaction rate constant k2 (80°) with p-anisidine or from 1 x 10-1 liter/mol*sec to 1 x 10-4 liter/mol*sec.

4. A color photograph as claimed in claim 1, wherein the compound of formula (I) is selected from compounds of general formulae (I-a), (I-b), (I-c) and (I-d) and has a secondary reaction rate constant k₂ (80 ° C) with p-anisidine in the range of from 1 x 10^-1 liter/mol*sec to 1 x 10-5 liter/mol*sec.

where R₁ has the same meaning as R₁ in formula (I); Link is a single bond or -O-; Ar denotes an aromatic group having the same meaning as defined for R₁ , R₂ and B, except that no group useful as a photographic reducing agent such as a hydroquinone derivative or a catechol derivative is released as a result of reaction with an aromatic amine series developing agent; Ra, Rb and Rc,which may be the same or different, each represents a hydrogen atom, or an aliphatic group, an aromatic group or a heterocyclic group having the same meaning as defined for R₁ , R₂ and B; Ra, Rb and Rc may further represent an alkoxy group, an aryloxy group, a heterocyclic oxy group, an alkylthio group, an arylthio group, a heterocyclic thio group, an amino group, an alkylamino group, an acyl group, an amino group, a sulfonamido group, a sulfonyl group, an alkoxycarbonyl group, a sulfo group, a carboxyl group, a hydroxyl group, an acyloxy group, a ureido group, a urethane group, a carbamoyl group or a sulfamoyl group, provided that Ra and Rb, or Rb and Rc, may combine to form a 5- to 7-membered hetero ring, which hetero ring may be further substituted by a substituent, or form a spiro ring, a bicyclo ring, or may be fused with an aromatic ring; Z₁ and Z₂ denote the non-metallic atomic group necessary for forming a 5- to 7-membered hetero ring, which hetero ring may be further substituted by a substituent, or form a spiro ring, a bicyclo ring, or may be fused with an aromatic ring, except that Z₁ is not such a group that it releases a coupler, a 11-phenyl-3-pyrazolide as a result of reaction with an aromatic amine series developing agent.

5. A color photograph as claimed in claim 4, wherein the compound of formula (I) contained in the photographic material contains compound of general formula (I-a) or (I-b) having the total number of at least 13 carbon atoms.

6. A color photograph as claimed in claim 1, wherein the photographic layer contains the storability-improving compound together with a yellow coupler, a magenta coupler or a cyan coupler.

7. A color photograph as claimed in claim 6, wherein the coupler is selected from compounds of general formulae (III), (IV), (V), (VI) and (VII):

in which R'₁ , R₄ and R₅ each represents an aliphatic group, an aromatic group, a heterocyclic group, an aromatic amino group or a heterocyclic amino group; R'₂ represents an aliphatic group; R₃ and R₆ each represents a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, an aliphatic group, an aliphatic-oxy group or an acylamino group; R_s' represents a hydrogen atom or has the same meaning as R_s; R₇ and R₉ each represents a substituted or unsubstituted phenyl group; R₈ represents a hydrogen atom, an aliphatic or aromatic acyl group or an aliphatic or aromatic sulfonyl group; R₁₀ represents a hydrogen atom or a substituent; Q represents a substituted or unsubstituted N-phenylcarbamoyl group; Za and Zb each represents a methine group, a substituted methine group or =N-; Y₁, Y₂, Y₃, Y₄ and Y₅ each represents a hydrogen atom or a group capable of being removed in coupling reaction with an oxidized product of a developing agent;

R'₂ and R₃, and R₅ and R₆ each may form a 5-, 6- or 7-membered ring;

R'₁, R'₂, R₃ or Y₁; R₄, R_s, R₆, or Y₂; R₇, R₈, R₉, or Y₃; R₁₀, Za, Zb or Y₄; and Q or Y₅ each may form a dimer or a higher polymer.

8. A color photograph as claimed in claim 1, wherein the photographic layer further contains an anti-fading agent together with the storability-improving agent.

9. A color photograph as claimed in claim 8, wherein the anti-fading agent is an aromatic compound of a general formula (VIII):

wherein R₁" represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group, an alkenyl group, an aryl group, a heterocyclic group or a group of

where R₇", R8 and R₉" may be the same or different and each represents an alkyl group, an alkenyl group, an aryl group, an alkoxy group, an alkenoxy group or an aryloxy group;

R₂", R₃", R₄", R₅ and R6 may be the same or different and each represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group, an alkenyl group, an aryl group, an acylamino group, an alkylamino group, an alkylthio group, an arylthio group, an alkoxycarbonyl group, an aryloxycarbonyl group, a halogen atom or -OR₁", where R₁" has the same meaning as R₁";

or R₁" and R₂" may be bonded together to form a 5-membered ring, a 6-membered ring or a spiro ring;

or R2 and R₃", or R3 and R_4" may be bonded together to form a 5-membered ring, a 6-membered ring or a spiro ring.

10. A color photograph as claimed in claim 9, wherein the amount of the compound of formula (VIII) to be added is from 10 to 400 mol% to the coupler.

11. A color photograph as claimed in claim 9, wherein the amount of the compound of formula (VIII) to be added is from 30 to 300 mol% to the coupler.

12. A color photograph as claimed in claim 8, wherein the anti-fading agent is an amine compound of a general formula (IX):

in which R'₁₀ represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group, an alkenyl group, an alkynyl group, an acyl group, a sulfonyl group, a sulfinyl group, an oxy-radical or a hydroxyl group; R₁₁, R₁₂, R₁₃ and R, may be the same or different and each represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group; and A represents a non-metallic atomic group necessary for forming a 5-membered, 6-membered or 7- membered ring.

13. A color photograph as claimed in claim 12, wherein the amount of the compound of formula (IX) to be added is from 10 to 400 mol% to the coupler.

14. A color photograph as claimed in claim 12, wherein the amount of the compound of formula (IX) to be added is from 30 to 300 mol% to the coupler.

15. A color photograph as claimed in claim 8, wherein the anti-fading agent is a metal complex comprising a center atom of copper, cobalt, nickel, palladium or platinum and at least one organic ligand having two or more conformations.

16. A color photograph as claimed in claim 15, wherein the amount of the metal complex to be added is from 1 to 100 mol% to the coupler.

17. A color photograph as claimed in claim 15, wherein the amount of the metal complex to be added is from 3 to 40 mol% to the coupler.

18. A method for preparation of color photographs wherein a photographic material containing a silver halide emulsion layer and a color image-forming coupler capable of forming a dye by an oxidation-coupling reaction with an aromatic amine series color developing agent, as coated on a support, is imagewise exposed to light and then subjected to photographic processing comprising carrying out photographic processing in the presence of a storability-improving compound capable of forming a chemical bond with the aromatic amine series color developing agent to give a chemically inactive and substantially colorless compound, characterized in that a storability-improving compound as defined in any of claims 1 to 5 is used.

19. The method for preparation of color photographs as claimed in claim 18, wherein the photographic material contains the storability-improving compound in at least one photographic layer.

20. The method for preparation of color photographs as claimed in claim 19, wherein the content of the said storability-improving compound in the photographic material is within the range of from 1 x 10-² to 10 mols per mol of the color image-forming coupler.

21. The method for preparation of color photographs as claimed in claim 18, wherein said color developer contains benzyl alcohol in an amount of 2.0 ml/liter or less.

22. The method for preparation of color photographs as claimed in claim 18, wherein said color developer contains benzyl alcohol in an amount of 0.5 ml/liter or less.

23. The method for preparation of color photographs as claimed in claim 18, wherein said color developer contains no benzyl alcohol.

24. The method for preparation of color photographs as claimed in claim 18, wherein the color development time is within 2 minutes and 30 seconds or less.

25. The method for preparation of color photographs as claimed in claim 18, wherein the color development time is within the range of from 10 seconds to 2 minutes and 30 seconds or less.

26. The method for preparation of color photographs as claimed in claim 18, wherein the color development time is within the range of from 45 seconds to 2 minutes.