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This project was developed by a former Engineer and now a patent agent assistant studding towards LLM degree. Seeing new inventions is very interesting to me. I created this site to outlines my favorite inventions along with inventions that I believe have potential.

Pyrazolone compounds and a process for their manufacture

by Postle, Stephen R.; Long, William E.;



Substituted pyrazolone compounds which are used as colour couplers in colour photographic materials have long been known. These compounds are useful as the magenta coupling components in tri-pack colour photographic materials.

Use of pyrazolone compounds in the photographic field is described for example in "the Theory of the Photographic Process" 4th edn.ed.. T. H. James. p. 356-358. However most of these pyrazolone compounds are difficult and expensive to manufacture, because of the need to incorporate into the pyrazolone molecule the features giving good colour absorption to the dye produced by coupler.

Recently, there has been interest in photographic materials which comprise mixtures of colour couplers to give monochrome images, for example as described in European Patent application No. 25,775. In such materials it is no longer necessary for the dyes produced from each coupler to have the single sharp absorption maximum necessary in colour negatives. Thus we have found new pyrazolone compounds which have a high secondary absorption in the blue region of the visible spectrum which are useful in chromogenic monochrome negative material, moreover they are easy and cheap to manufacture. Use of these compounds in chromogenic monochrome materials results in useful economies, not only because of the easy synthesis of these compounds, but also because of the reduction of the coating weight of the yellow coupler present in the assembly to give an overall neutral density.

According to the present invention there is provided a pyrazolone compound having a high secondary absorption in the blue region of the visible spectrum, which is at least 54% of the primary absorption, said pyrazolone dye being of the formula ##STR2## where Y is --CR.sub.1 R.sub.2 R.sub.3, wherein R.sub.1, R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 are each independently alkyl, aryl, aralkyl or alkaryl which groups are unsubstituted or substituted, or two or three of the groups R.sub.1, R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 form a 5- or 6-membered monocylic or polycylic ring system which is unsubstituted or substituted, X is hydrogen or a leaving group and Q is hydrogen, amidino, alkyl or aryl which groups are unsubstituted or substituted, there being present in Y or Q a ballasting group which comprises 10 to 30 atoms.

Further objects of the present invention are a process for the preparation of these pyrazolone compounds and a photographic material containing these compounds.

Y in the compounds of the formula (1) is a tertiary group of the formula ##STR3## Independently from one another, R.sub.1, R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 are alkyl, aryl, aralkyl or alkaryl. These groups may be further substituted. Preferred alkyl groups are long chain alkyl groups, preferably having 10 to 20 carbon atoms such as decyl, dodecyl, hexadecyl, octadecyl, nonadecyl and eicosyl as well as isomers thereof. These long chain alkyl groups act as a ballasting group and preferably one of R.sub.1, R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 represents a ballasting alkyl group.

It is also possible that R.sub.1, R.sub.2 or R.sub.3 represents a group which comprises a ballasting group. Such groups are preferably of the formula ##STR4## wherein R is alkyl having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, R' is alkyl having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, x is 0, 1 or 2, and n is 1 or 2. Preferably, if n is 1, R is a long chain alkyl group of 10 to 20 carbon atoms, pentadecyl e.g., and, if n is 2, R is preferably alkyl having up to 10 carbon atoms such as t-amyl. Another group which comprises a ballasting group is a substituted phenyl radical such as long chain alkyl or thioalkyl substituted phenyl, where the alkyl moieties contain preferably 10 to 20 carbon atoms. If R.sub.1, R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 are a non-ballasting alkyl group, then this alkyl group preferably comprises 1 to 10 and, more preferably 1 to 5 carbon atoms such as methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl or pentyl. Suitable aryl groups R.sub.1, R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 are phenyl, and naphthyl, e.g. Benzyl, phenylethyl and benzhydryl are preferred aralkyl radicals R.sub.1, R.sub.2 and R.sub.3. In the meaning of alkaryl, R.sub.1, R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 preferably represent a phenyl radical which is substituted by preferably 1 or 2 alkyl groups which has (have each) 1 to 10 carbon atoms, such as methyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl, octyl and decyl as well as isomers thereof. Further substituents on these groups R.sub.1, R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 comprise alkyl, aryl, alkoxy, aryloxy, alkylthio, arylthio, alkylsulphonyl, arylsulphonyl, where the alkyl moieties preferably contain 1 to 6 carbon atoms and aryl preferably denotes phenyl, (carboxylic) ester, preferably alkyl ester, having 1 to 4 carbon atoms in the alkyl group or amide, sulphonamido and halogen such as chlorine or bromine. Two of R.sub.1, R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 or all of R.sub.1, R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 form ring systems which are mono- or polycyclic. Preferably, these ring systems contain 5 or 6 ring atoms (per ring), preferably carbon atoms, and are e.g. cyclopentyl and cyclohexyl which may be further substituted by alkyl groups such as methyl, propyl, i-propyl, butyl or t-butyl. Preferred polycyclic ring systems contain 2 or 3, preferably saturated rings and are e.g. decalinyl, tetradecahydrophenanthrenyl, tetradecahydroanthracenyl, adamantyl, bicycloheptyl and camphanyl. These ring systems may also be further substituted by alkyl groups preferably each having 1 to 4 carbon atoms such as methyl or i-propyl. Such systems also act as ballasting groups.

X is hydrogen or a leaving group which leaves the pyrazolone ring system when coupling with the oxidation product of a developing agent. Suitable leaving groups are essentially those which are commonly used in photographic colour couplers, e.g. 5- or 6-membered heterocyclic rings of the formula ##STR5## W represents the non-metallic atoms necessary to complete the ring system which may be further substituted by alkyl, aryl, alkoxy, aryloxy, where the alkyl moieties preferably contain 1 to 4 carbon atoms and aryl preferably denotes phenyl, or by carboxylic acid or amido groups. Suitable ring systems are e.g. imidazole, pyrazole, triazole and dimethylimidazol. Other suitable leaving groups are --SR.sub.5, --OR.sub.5 and --OCOR.sub.5, where R.sub.5 is alkyl, preferably having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, aryl, preferably phenyl, or a heterocyclic system such as triazole or tetrazole, which systems may be further substituted by alkyl having preferably 1 to 5 carbon atoms. The alkyl and aryl groups R.sub.5 may be further substituted by aryl, alkoxy, aryloxy, alkylthio, arylthio, alkylsulphonyl, arylsulphonyl where the alkyl moieties preferably contain 1 to 6 carbon atoms and aryl preferably denotes phenyl; (carboxylic) ester preferably alkyl ester, having 1 to 4 carbon atoms in the alkyl group or amide, sulphonamide or halogen such as chlorine or bromine.

The alkyl group Q preferably contains 1 to 20 carbon atoms. Suitable alkyl groups are mentioned above in the explanations of R.sub.5 and Y, for example. Q denotes further an amidino group ##STR6## Preferably, Q is a substituted aryl group of the formula ##STR7## where Z.sub.1 to Z.sub.5 are each hydrogen, halogen, preferably chlorine or bromine, or --OR.sub.4, --NHCOR.sub.4, --CONHR.sub.4, --SO.sub.2 NHR.sub.4, --COOR.sub.4, --NHCOOR.sub.4, --SR.sub.4 or --SO.sub.2 R.sub.4, where R.sub.4 represents alkyl or aryl which groups are unsubstituted or substituted. Preferably, R.sub.4 denotes those alkyl, aryl and also ballasting groups which are mentioned above for R.sub.1, R.sub.2 and R.sub.3.

Most preferably Q is the group of the formula ##STR8## where R.sub.6 is a ballasting group containing 10 to 30 carbon atoms. R.sub.6 is preferably a ballasting alkyl group containing 10 to 20 carbon atoms or R.sub.6 is a group of the formula ##STR9## where R, R', n and x are as defined above.

As stated there must be present either in the group Q or the group Y a ballasting group containing at least ten carbon atoms. This is to render the coupler and the dye formed therefrom substantive to the photographic layer in which it was coated, and to give oil solubility to the coupler. A particularly suitable ballasting group is the di-tert-amylphenoxy group.

The high secondary density of the dyes formed by the couplers of the present invention is believed to be caused by the presence of the tertiary substituent Y in the 3-position of the pyrazolone ring.

In suitable compounds of the formula (1) R.sub.1, R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 are each independently alkyl having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, phenyl, naphthyl, benzyl, phenylethyl, benzhydryl or phenyl substituted by 1 or 2 alkyl groups each having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, these radicals being unsubstituted or substituted by alkyl, aryl, alkoxy, aryloxy, alkylthio, arylthio, alkylsulphonyl, arylsulphonyl, carboxylic ester or amide, sulphonamido or halogen.

Preferably, R.sub.1, R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 are each independently unsubstituted or substituted by alkyl alkoxy, alkylthio or alkylsulphonyl, the alkyl moieties each having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, phenyl, phenoxy, phenylthio, phenylsulphonyl, carboxylic alkyl ester having 1 to 4 carbon atoms in the alkyl moiety, carboxylic amide, sulphonamido, chlorine or bromine.

More preferably, R.sub.1, R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 are each independently alkyl having 1 to 6 carbon atoms which is unsubstituted or substituted by a carboxylic alkyl ester having 1 to 4 carbon atoms in the alkyl moiety.

R.sub.1, R.sub.2 and R.sub.3, each being methyl, is particularly preferred.

In another group of suitable compounds of the formula (1) two of R.sub.1, R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 form a cyclopentyl or cyclohexyl ring or R.sub.1, R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 form a decalinyl, tetradecahydro-phenanthrenyl or -anthracenyl, adamantyl, bicycloheptyl or camphanyl system, these rings and systems being unsubstituted or substituted by alkyl having 1 to 4 carbon atoms.

Preferably, R.sub.1, R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 form a tetrahydrophenanthrenyl or adamantyl system.

Preferred compounds of the formula (1) contain a leaving group which is selected from hydrogen or a 5- or 6-membered heterocyclic ring of the formula ##STR10## where W represents the non-metallic atoms necessary to complete an imidazole, pyrazole or triazole ring, which is unsubstituted or substituted by alkyl or alkoxy each having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, phenyl, phenoxy, carboxylic acid or amido, or X is --SR.sub.5, --OR.sub.5 --OCOR.sub.5, where R.sub.5 is alkyl having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, phenyl or triazolyl or tetrazolyl which are unsubstituted or substituted by alkyl having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, the alkyl or phenyl groups R.sub.5 being unsubstituted or substituted by alkoxy, alkylthio- or alkylsulphonyl, the alkyl moieties containing each 1 to 6 carbon atoms, phenyl, phenoxy, phenylthio, phenylsulphonyl, carboxylic alkyl ester having 1 to 4 carbon atoms in the alkyl moiety, carboxylic amide, sulphonamide, chlorine or bromine.


7-Aryl-hept-5-ynoic acids and derivatives thereof 8-Carboxyl-tetrahydroquinoline derivatives
Air bag device Analgesic N-(2-heterocyclic-amino cycloaliphatic) benzamides
Animal feeding method and apparatus Apparatus for diluting gas
Apparatus for listing cinematographic film Apparatus for propelling projectiles
Aromatase inhibitors Aspartylamide derivatives and sweeteners
Assembleable, free-standing, bed suspension apparatus Athlete's arm restrainer
Auto towing apparatus Automatic dumping hopper
Automatic network topology analysis Automobile navigation system
Ball paddle game device Battery terminal
Biodesulfurization of fuels Bistriazenes as chemotherapeutic agents
Blade type shutter Blood-purifying membrane
Blow molding apparatus Bonded composite intake manifold
Bracket for mounting ladder shelf Branch predictor
Breaker structures of radial tires Breakwater pier apparatus
Broad color gamut display Brush
Butterfly valve C7 carbamoyloxy substituted taxanes
Cable shield connector Cage for roller bearing assembly
Cam lock with positive release Capacitor with plasma deposited dielectric
Card connector Cast vehicle wheels
Catadioptric optical system Cavitation erosion resistent steel
Clam shell armrest Cleaning supplies caddy
Clip for a fluid coupling Clutter rejection using connectivity
Combination spray and aerator Compatible extended-definition television
Composite panel Composite pigment composition containing silica
Computed tomography apparatus Connecting devices
Constant envelope modulation communication system Container assembly for food
Control system for commutatorless motor Controlled flex skate boot
Conveying device Corner joint tie
Cosmetic compositions containing fluorescent minerals CPU heat sink fastener
Current fed, parallel resonant ballast Cushion stop for hydraulic cylinder
Cutting apparatus Cyanoalkylation process
Dancer assembly Deck clip
Deflectable mounting for upright mast Demand type governors
Detection and speciation of Campylobacter Detection of ionizing radiation
Developer transport roll Device for making detachable tube-joint
Diagnostic apparatus for nuclear medicine Diaphragm for a diaphragm pump
Diphenoxymethylpyridines Directional gyro
Dual transmission-fluid-level maintenance system Electric hotplate
Electric rotary trowel Electrochromic device with plastic substrate
Electromagnetic clutch-brake positioning assembly Electromagnetic devices
Electronic component testing oven Electronic contacts and associated devices
Electronic network for telephone set Electrophotographic plate with multiple layers
Endotracheal tube stabilizing device Engine catalytic converter
Exposure apparatus F..theta. lens system
Facsimile transmission method Fastener assembly
Fastener construction Feed mechanism for sewing machines
Filter cigarette Fishing reel
Flashlight Flexible magnetic disc driving apparatus
Flocked foamed latex sheet Fluid catalyst regeneration apparatus
Fluid container Fluorescent lamp electrode disconnect arrangement
Focusing hood for cameras Foldable corrugated plastic roof ventilator
Foldable exercise treadmill structure Folding cartons for liquids
Force and torque converter Fruit harvesting tool
Fuel tank inlet restrictor Functional neuromuscular stimulation system
Gas analyzer Gauging of thread diameters
Gel with increased oxygen content Graphic pattern processing apparatus
Hair conditioning Hand riveting tool
Headlight aiming and leveling device High intensity lead smelting process
High speed multiplier High voltage semiconductor device
High-speed switching regulator Hybrid slot machine
Hydraulic bale wrapper Hydraulic circuit for hydraulic machine
Hydraulic support element Hydro-pneumatic suspension
Hydrometallurgical extraction process Imidazoloisoquinolines
Impact printer temperature control device Implosion shaped charge perforator
In-ground tank measuring system Industrial saw guide attachment
Information processing method Information recording apparatus of camera
Information signal discriminating apparatus Ink jet recording method
Instrument with a bendable handle Intelligent volatile memory initialization
Internal combustion engines Inverter controller
Isolation circuitry Jig for mass soldering system
Laser mist evacuator attachment Lawn mower blade grinder
Lead-acid cells and batteries Linear power amplifying apparatus
Liquid filtration system Liquid surfactant mixtures
Livestock feed supplement Lock slider for slide fastener
Looseleaf binder for computer paper Lubricating oil additives
Marine fenders Mass spectrometric immunoassay
Metal grapple shear Method for cryopreserving blood vessels
Method for mounting an element Method for recycling wasted tires
Method of electrode reconditioning Method of ion implantation
Method of preparing apoenzyme Micro miniature refrigerators
Miniature transducer Monolithic user-activated transdermal therapeutic system
Motor-driven brake system Motorized spinning reel driving device
Mram with aligned magnetic vectors Multi-spindle CNC lathe
Multiband antenna system Multirate wireless data communication system
Multispeed power tool transmission Novel organocyclotetrasiloxanes
Novelty undergarment OLED current drive pixel circuit
On-line shredder and loader Open-end spinning unit
Optical multiplexer/demultiplexer Organic electroluminescent device
Orientation indicating device Outboard motor
Package and method of packaging Packaging machine
Panelboard vent assembly Parallel detecting, spectroscopic ellipsometers/polarimeters
Peripherally acting anti-pruritic opiates Photo-electric pulse wave measuring probe
Pipe pulling device Plant fertilizer holder
Polyetherketone resin composition Portable golfball teeing device
Portable roof winch Preparation of haloesters from dienes
Preparation of hydroxyl zwitterionic compounds Preservation of blood platelets
Printer control unit and method Process for preparing O-alkyl, O-alkylphosphorochloridothioates
Process of continuous suspension polymerization Programmable telephone
Prostaglandin compositions Pull-back ram cylinder apparatus
Pulse generator for electric fences Pulsed gas laser
Punching aid Putter head
Pyrotechnical sealing cord Quick-detachable sling swivel
Race set with detour Racing saddle
Rack-mounted module access Radar system
Radiotelephone with sliding acoustic member Random access valve
Rare earth manganese silicides Reader-printer
Refrigeration heat recovery system Removable gun rack
Replaceable flinger for live centers Retractable cleat for marine vessel
Rimless spectacles Roller bearings
Roofing structure and method Root canal instrument handle
Rotary drive systems Rotary machine
Sack Safety flag
Safety garment Safety roof liner
Salts of N-tert-butylhydroxylamine Seal
Security tape disc storage case Seismic streamer communication system
Self contained pressure vessel Self-erecting tent
Self-powered four wheel drive vehicle Semiconductor laser and optical amplifier
Separation of 1,5-dinitroanthraquinone and 1,8-dinitroanthraquinone Sewer unclogger
Shaped charge capsule Shelter
Shoe sole Shortening management system
Shredding machine Silane derivatives
Single-crystal semiconductor pulling apparatus Sit/stand adjustable, tower chair
Solenoid actuator with positional feedback Soundproof material
Spatula Speech synthesis system
Speed controlled eccentric assembly Spool rack with connecting system
Spring retracting caster Steam output control system
Steering apparatus with fixed pad Stent positioning apparatus and method
Structure for interlocking connectors Substituted bicyclic triazole herbicides
Support stanchion for luggage carrier Surface roughening method
Suture securing device and method System for noninvasive hematocrit monitoring
Tag attaching apparatus Tape measure holster
Tape wrapped conductor Tennis racquet with insert
Tetrazoles Therapeutic composition
Thermal insulation for P-trap piping Thermoplastic polymer composition
Thin magnetic element and transformer Tire chain
Tissue removal pen Titanium process for making catalyst
Topoisomerase-based ligation and cloning methods Toy container
Traffic control system Transistor in semiconductor devices
Trimmable bandgap voltage reference Trolling motor with heading lock
Truck tire safety reflector Uneven ground vehicles
Unplugging apparatus Vacuum packaging apparatus
Valve control Variable movement headrest arrangement
Variable operation speed MOS transistor Variable resistance devices and methods
Vehicle headliner with burlap layers Vehicle lamp
Viscosity measurement Water-soluble triethanolamine titanates
Well drilling tool Wideband electromechanical recording system
Winch handle retention system Wire installation tool
Wireless transmission system Wood finishing process


More suitable leaving groups are hydrogen, imidazolyl, dimethylimidazolyl, pyrazolyl, triazolyl, --SR.sub.5 or --OR.sub.5, where R.sub.5 is alkyl having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, phenyl, triazolyl or tetrazolyl.

The compounds of the formula (1) exhibit particularly good properties, when Q is hydrogen, amidino, alkyl having 1 to 20 carbon atoms or phenyl of the formula ##STR11## where Z.sub.1 to Z.sub.5 are each hydrogen, halogen, --OR.sub.4, --NHCOR.sub.4, --CONHR.sub.4, --SO.sub.2 NHR.sub.4, --COOR.sub.4, --NHCOOR.sub.4, --SR.sub.4 or --SO.sub.2 R.sub.4, where R.sub.4 is alkyl or aryl which is unsubstituted or substituted.

More preferably, R.sub.4 is alkyl having 1 to 20 carbon atoms or phenyl which is unsubstituted or substituted by 1 or 2 alkyl groups each having 1 to 10 carbon atoms.

Particularly preferred substituents Q are a group of the formula ##STR12## where R.sub.6 is a ballasting alkyl group containing 10 to 20 carbon atoms or is a group of the formula ##STR13## where R is alkyl having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, R' is alkyl having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, x is 0, 1 or 2 and n is 1 or 2.

Examples of particularly useful of the formula (1) are those of the formulae (2) to (10): ##STR14## Compounds of formula (1) are prepared by reacting a substituted keto acetic ester of the formula ##STR15## where X and Y have the meanings assigned above and R.sub.6 is alkyl or aryl with a substituted hydrazine of the formula

H.sub.2 N--NHQ (12)

where Q has the meaning assigned above.

This reaction may be carried out neat or in a suitable solvent, without catalyst, or with an acidic or basic catalyst, at temperatures of 20.degree. C. up to the boiling point of the reaction mixture. A particularly suitable solvent is ethanol together with an acetic acid catalyst and at reflux temperature.

Alternatively and additionally the condensation of the keto ester of formula (11) and the hydrazine of formula (12) may be facilitated if certain of the substituent groups are present in protected forms. An example is the protection of a hydroxyl group as an ester during the condensation with subsequent liberation of the free hydroxyl group. A further modification is, for example, the presence of a nitro group during the condensation, which can subsequently be reduced and reacted to form amide or sulphonamide groups.

The coulour photographic material of the present invention is of particular use as chromogenic monochrome film material wherein after imagewise exposure and colour development the dye formed from the colour coupler or couplers present in the material form a monochrome image from which black and white prints may be obtained.

When the photographic silver halide material of the present invention after imagewise exposure is processed to form a dye image from the pyrazolone colour coupler the photographic material which comprises in a layer thereof a compound of formula (1) is processed after exposure by a colour development process using a primary aromatic amine colour developing agent of known type. As usual in colour development processes the primary aromatic amine developing agent reduces the latent silver image to form a silver image and becomes oxidised, and the oxidised colour developer couples with the pyrazolone colour coupler of formula (1) to form reddish dye image.

After the colour development reaction to form the dye image the unexposed silver halide in the photographic material is removed using a silver halide solvent and the silver image is removed using a silver bleach bath. The silver halide and the silver may be removed by use of a single bleach-fix (blix) bath.

Suitable primary aromatic amine colour developing agents are p-phenylenediamine compounds, for example 4-amino-N, N-dimethylaniline hydrochloride, 4-amino-N,N-diethylaniline hydrochloride, 4-amino-3-methyl-N,N-diethylaniline hydrochlorine and p-aminophenol compounds for example a p-aminophenol itself and 2,6-dichloro-4-aminophenol.

The following Examples will serve to illustrate the invention (m.p. means melting point).

EXAMPLE 1

(a) 3-t-Butyl 1-(4'-nitrophenyl)pyrazolone 2-ene-5-ene

Ethyl pivaloyl acetate (4.55 g) and 4-nitrophenyl hydrazine (3.82 g) are fused at 130.degree. C. and heated for 10 minutes. Acetic acid (5 ml) is added, and the whole heated for 2 hours. On cooling a solid forms. This is boilded out with ethanol (10 ml) to give 5.09 g of an orange solid (m.p. 146.degree.-147.degree. C.).

(b) 1-(4'-aminophenyl) 3-.sup.t -butylpyrazolone-2-ene-5-ene

The above nitro-pyrazolone is reduced under hydrogen and palladium/charcoal in 2-methoxyethanol (4.57 g in 150 ml), over 21/2 hours. The solution is filtered through celite, evaporated to dryness, and boiled out with methanol (20 ml) to yield 2.43 g of a buff solid (m.p. 191.degree.-195.degree. C.)

(c) (Compound of the formula (2)

The above amino-pyrazolone (1.16 g) in pyridine (0.43 ml) and toluene (5 ml) is treated dropwise with a solution of 2,4-di-t-amylphenoxyacetic chloride (1.55 g) in toluene (5 ml). The mixture is heated under reflux for 3 hours, cooled and the toluene decanted off. The residue (a glass; 2.41 g) is taken up in ethyl acetate (5 ml) and, after filtering, cooled to -78.degree. C. to give a solid; this is recrystallised from ethyl acetate to yield 2.0 g of a white solid (m. 82.degree.-83.degree. C.). The analytical sample is further crystallised from ethanol having then a melting point of 83.degree. to 84.degree. C.

EXAMPLE 2

Compound of the formula (3)

Ethyl pivaloyl acetate (0.86 g) and 3-hexadecylthiophenyl hydrazine (2.00 g) are heated at reflux in pyridine (0.39 g) and 2-methoxyethanol (25 ml) for 3 hours. On cooling a solid collected, which is recrystallised from ethanol to give 1.74 g of a cream powder (m.p. 61.degree. to 52.degree. C.).

EXAMPLE 3

Compound of the formula (5)

Ethyl adamantoyl acetate (6.59 g) and 4-methoxy phenyl hydrazine hydrochloride (4.6 g) are heated to reflux in acetic acid (50 ml) and ethanol (25 ml) with sodium acetate (2.2 g). On cooling, 5.4 g of a crystalline solid separates. This is recrystallised from ethanol (m.p. 185.degree.-187.degree. C.).

EXAMPLE 4

Compound of the formula (6)

3-Adamant-1-yl-1-1-(2,4,6-trichlorophenyl)pyrazol-id-2-ene-5-one: 2,4,6-Trichlorophenylhyrazine (4.23 g) is dissolved in glacial acetic acid and ethanol (100 ml), and ethyl adamantoyl acetate (5.01 g) is added. After 2 hours at room temperature water is added and the product collected and recrystallised from ethanol (m.p. 233.degree.-234.degree. C.

EXAMPLE 5

Compound of the formula (7)

(a) 3-t-Butyl-1-(2,6-dichloro-4-nitrophenyl)pyrazol-id-2-ene-5-one

Ethyl pivaloyl acetate (3.88 g) and 2,6-dichloro-4nitro phenyl hydrazine (5 g) are heated with ethanol (5 ml) and acetic acid (0.1 ml) for 3 days. On cooling a precipitate forms which is collected and identified by the nuclear magnetic resonance spectrum.

(b) 3-t-Butyl-1-2,6-dichloro-4-(2,4-di-t-amyl phenoxy acetyl amino) pyrazol-id-2-ene-5-one

The above nitro compound is hydrogenated at room temperature in the presence of a hydrogenation catalyst (10% palladium on carbon) in ethanol. After uptake has ceased, the product is filtered free from catalyst, and the solvent evaporated. The oily product is dissolved in tetrahydrofuran (50 ml) and pyridine (2 ml). 2,4-di-t-amyl phenoxy acetyl chloride (2.7 g) is added. The mixture is heated to reflux for 5 hours. The product is cooled. Then dilute aqueous hydrochloric acid is added, and the product is extracted with ethyl acetate. The solution is dried and evaporated, and the product crystallises on triturating with methanol (m.p. 174.degree.-179.degree. C.).

EXAMPLE 6

A photographic coating is prepared on a photobase having the following coating weights

    ______________________________________
    Compound of the formula (2)
                              4.5   mg/dm.sup.2
    dissolved in tricresyl phosphate
                              10    mg/dm.sup.2
    together with a conventional silver photographic
    emulsion to give a silver coating weight of
                              12    mg/dm.sup.2 ;
    all dispersed in gelatin  23    mg/dm.sup.2.
    ______________________________________


The coatings are fogged with light, and then developed at 38.degree. C. in a developing solution containing:

4-amino-3-methyl-N-ethyl-N-2-hydroxyethyl aniline sulphate (3.2 g), hydroxylamine sulphate (3 g), sodium carbonate (30 g), potassium bromide (1.8 g), potassium hydrogen sulphate (7 g), sodium bicarbonate (8 g), sodium sulphite (2 g) and sodium tripolyphosphate (2 g), made up to 1 liter.

The coatings are bleached and fixed, and the densities measured:

    ______________________________________
    Primary Adsorption
                    Secondary Absorption
    maximum     density    maximum    density
    ______________________________________
    538 nm      1.34       451 nm     0.81
    ______________________________________


that is to say the secondary density is 60% of the primary density.

Test coating prepared similarly with the following compounds give the following results:

    ______________________________________
    Compounds
             Primary     Secondary % Secondary
    of the   adsorption  adsorption
                                   density of
    formula  maximum     maximum   primary density
    ______________________________________
    (3)      545 nm      439 nm    73
    (5)      540 nm      456 nm    70
    (7)      540 nm      451 nm    54
    ______________________________________


A control coating is prepared as above but using the known pyrazolone coupler of the formula ##STR16## This has a primary adsorption maximum at 555 nm, a secondary absorption maximum at 434 nm and the secondary density is only 18% of the primary density.