Stabilized black-and-white developing compositions and methods of use

A single-part, aqueous, black-and-white photographic developing composition having a pH of from about 8 to about 11 and that is essentially free of dihydroxybenzene compounds and comprises:

• a) from about 0.1 to about 0.5 mol/l of an ascorbic acid developing agent,
• b) a water-miscible hydroxy-containing organic solvent having a molecular weight of from about 50 to about 200, the weight ratio of said organic solvent to water being from about 0.1:1 to about 1:1,
• c) from about 0.001 to about 0.2 moll of sulfite ions,
• d) from about 0.0005 to about 0.01 mol/l of a 3-pyrazolidone co-developing agent, and
• e) either or both of an organic antifoggant and metal ion sequestering agent.

A two-part aqueous black-and-white developing composition kit comprising:

• a) an aqueous first solution having a pH of from about 3 to about 6 that is essentially free of dihydroxybenzene compounds and comprises:
• at least 0.05 mol/l of an ascorbic acid developing agent,
• a water-miscible hydroxy-containing organic solvent having a molecular weight of from about 50 to about 200, the weight ratio of said organic solvent to water being from about 0.05:1 to about 8:1, and at least 0.0005 mol/l of a 3-pyrazolidone co-developing agent, and
• b) a second aqueous solution having a pH of from about 8 to about 12 and comprising a borate buffer and at least 0.05 mol/l of sulfite ions.