Photographic element containing high dye-yield couplers having improved reactivity

Abstract

The invention provides a photographic element comprising a support bearing a photographic silver halide emulsion layer having associated therewith a high dye-yield coupler having the formula: COUP--(T).sub.m --L--DYE where COUP is the parent group of the coupler capable of reacting at the coupling position with oxidized color developer to form a first dye, T is one or more timing groups with m=1 or 2, L is a linking group selected from the group consisting of --OC(O)--, --OC(S)--, --SC(O)--, --SC(S)--, or --OC(.dbd.N SO.sub.2 R)--, where R is substituted or unsubstituted alkyl or aryl, and DYE is a second dye or precursor thereof, wherein there is present at least one T group that contains a substituent having the formula: --(LINK).sub.p --A--B--(C--D).sub.n wherein: LINK is an alkylene group capable of linking the above group to the group T, where p=0 or 1; A is a member selected from the group consisting of --NHCO--, --N(R')C(O)N(R--)--, --CONH--, --NR'SO.sub.2 --, --SO.sub.2 NR'--, and --OPO.sub.2 --, where R' is hydrogen or substituted or unsubstituted alkyl; B is a substituted or unsubstituted aromatic carbocyclic or heterocyclic group; C is a solubilizing group selected from --NHSO.sub.2 -- and --SO.sub.2 NH--; D is a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, aryl, or heterocyclic ring; and n is from 1 to 3. The invention also provides a photographic coupler, a photographic silver halide emulsion, and a process for forming an image in a photographic element in accordance with the invention.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.