EP0327272B1

EP0327272B1 - Silver halide light-sensitive photographic material

Info

Publication number: EP0327272B1
Application number: EP89300806A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Makoto Kajiwara; Masanobu Miyoshi
Original assignee: Konica Minolta Inc
Current assignee: Konica Minolta Inc
Priority date: 1988-01-30
Filing date: 1989-01-27
Publication date: 1995-07-19
Anticipated expiration: 2009-01-27
Also published as: EP0327272A3; DE68923462T2; DE68923462D1; EP0327272A2; JPH01196051A

Description

The present invention relates to a silver halide light-sensitive color photographic material capable of eliminating stain caused by moisture, heat or light, and where the illumination dependency of the gradation is significantly limited.
When a dye image is formed using a silver halide light-sensitive color photographic material, an aromatic primary amine color developing agent is oxidised when it reduces the silver halide of an exposed light-sensitive silver halide color photographic material. The resultant oxidation product reacts with a coupler preliminarily contained in the light-sensitive silver halide color photographic material so as to form a dye. Usually, in such an image forming system, a color reproduction technique based on the subtractive color process is used. The light-sensitive silver halide color photographic material comprises blue-sensitive, green-sensitive, and red-sensitive silver halide emulsion layers which correspondingly have yellow-dye forming, magenta-dye forming, and cyan-dye forming couplers. In other words couplers whose sensitivities are complementary to the color sensitivities of these emulsion layers.
The couplers useful for forming the yellow dye image include acylacetanilide couplers; and the couplers useful for forming the magenta dye image include pyrazolone, pyrazolobenzimidazole, pyrazolotriazole, and indazolone couplers; while examples of commonly used cyan dye image forming couplers include phenol and naphthol couplers.
The so-obtained image is required to be stable even when exposed to light for a long time, or even when stored under a high temperature or high humidity. There has been a need in the art for a silver halide color photographic light-sensitive material (hereinafter referred to as color photographic material) which does not cause yellow stain (hereinafter referred to as Y-stain) in the nondye-image portion.
As compared with the yellow and cyan couplers magenta couplers are liable to cause more significant Y-stain by light, moisture, or heat in the non-dye-image portion, as well as fading caused by light in the dye-image portion.
The couplers commonly used for forming magenta dye images are 1,2-pyrazolo-5-ones. The magenta dyes formed from the 1,2-pyrazolo-5-one magenta couplers have disadvantages in having secondary spectral absorption in the vicinity of 430 nm, in addition to the primary spectral absorption in the vicinity of 550 nm which leads to poor color reproduction. Therefore, various studies have been conducted to solve this problem.
The magenta coupler having an anilino group on the 3 position of 1,2-pyrazolo-5-one, which exhibits less significant secondary absorption, is known to be useful in obtaining color images for print. The related techniques are disclosed, for example, in U.S. Patent No. 2,343,703, and British Patent No. 1,059,994.
These magenta couplers are disadvantageous as they have significantly inferior image preservability, especially, in the stability of dye images to light, as well as a larger Y-stain in the non-dye image portion.
Other means proposed for limiting the above-mentioned secondary absorption of magenta couplers in the vicinity of 430 nm are magenta couplers such as pyrazolobenzimidazole couplers in British Patent No. 1,047,612; indazolone couplers in U.S. Patent No. 3,770,447; and pyrazolotriazole couplers in U.S. Patent No. 3,725,067, British Patent Nos. 1,252,418, and 1,334,515. The dyes formed from these couplers are advantageous in terms of color reproduction, as compared with the previously mentioned dyes formed from 1,2-pyrazolo-5-ones having an anilino group on the 3 position, in having a secondary absorption in the vicinity of 430 nm, and in producing a relatively small Y-stain due to light, heat, or moisture, in the non-dye image portion.
However, these couplers are found to have a serious drawback, that is, the gradation of resultant images significantly fluctuates depending on the exposure illumination intensity. It is a well known fact that even with a constant exposure, the sensitivity of the light-sensitive material greatly varies depending on the change in illumination intensity. Correspondingly, various countermeasures have been taken, for example, by changing the exposure amount in compliance with the expected sensitivity change, and this does not pose a problem that inhibits common use of the light-sensitive material.
If a light-sensitive material poses significantly great gradation fluctuation depending on exposure illumination intensity (hereinafter referred to as illumination dependency of gradation), this drawback poses a fatal defect to the light-sensitive material. The light-sensitive materials have different gradations designed to comply with the nature of their applications. When such materials are exposed, the suitable exposure illumination intensity naturally varies depending on the exposure conditions; more specifically, the brightness on a subject, in the case of the materials for picture-taking; and in the case of print material, the difference in image density resultant from overexposure or underexposure of the film bearing original image. With light-sensitive materials whose gradation has a greater illumination dependency, the resultant gradation will deviate from the allowable range of designed gradation.
As a result, some pictures may have excessively hard gradation, thereby details especially in low density and high density areas can be missing, or other may have excessively soft gradation and may be dull. In both cases, the quality of the light-sensitive material is significantly jeopardized.
In the case of print light-sensitive material, various print sizes are available. Commonly used sizes range from the smallest format known as "E size" to the whole sheet size. Usually, several pictures are printed onto a small-sized photographic paper, and then the user selects preferable scenes and enlarges them to larger size prints. The film bearing the original image is the same regardless of the size of print paper, larger or smaller. Additionally, the intensity of the light source cannot be readily intensified. Therefore, it is unavoidable that when an original image is enlarged onto a large-sized print, the exposure illumination intensity relative to the print light-sensitive material is inappropriately low. As a result, with a light-sensitive material whose gradation is significantly dependent on exposure illumination intensity, the larger print will have poor image quality and will fail to satisfy the user, even though this type of material may provide good image quality with a smaller print.
As described earlier, an improved exposure apparatus can cope with sensitivity changes corresponding to exposure illumination intensity, to an extent not adversely affecting practical exposure operations. However, measures including improved apparatus such as exposure apparatus have difficulties in coping with gradation change. Therefore, it is necessary to improve illumination dependency of gradation, by means of improved light-sensitive materials.
One method to improve illumination dependency of gradation is the use of iridium compounds which is disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication Open to Public Inspection (hereinafter referred to as Japanese Patent O.P.I. Publication) Nos. 97648/1986, and 954/1987.
However, if such a compound is added in an amount sufficient to ensure this effect, adverse effects often occur as evidenced by desensitization, and deteriorated pressure-resistance of the light-sensitive material. Therefore, the use of such compounds has limitations.
Additionally, if the previously mentioned pyrazolotriazoles are also used, fogging readily occurs. This disadvantage poses problems that hinder practical use of this method.
EP-A-0297804 discloses a silver halide photographic light-sensitive material which has decreased variation in the light-sensitivity caused by changes in environmental humidity and prolonged storage of the photographic material. It discloses magenta dyes on pages 61 to 64.
EP-A-0294149 discloses a silver halide photographic light-sensitive material containing inorganic sulphur or elemental sulphur and a processing method for developing such a photographic material. It discloses couplers for magenta images at pages 40 and 41.
The object of the invention is to provide a color photographic light-sensitive material free from yellow stains, and devoid of gradation dependent on illumination.
According to the present invention there is provided a light-sensitive silver halide photographic material comprising a support on which is provided at least one silver halide emulsion layer containing a magenta dye-forming coupler represented by general formula M-VIII;

(Wherein Z₁ represents a group of non-metal atoms necessary to complete an optionally substituted nitrogen-containing heterocyclic ring; X represents a hydrogen atom or a substituent capable of being split off upon reaction with an oxidation product of a color developing agent; and R₁ represents a hydrogen atom or a substituent; provided that the coupler of formula M-VIII is not a compound of formula:

or

wherein elemental sulfur has been added to said silver halide emulsion prior to the formation of said silver halide emulsion layer on said support.
The term "elemental sulfur" means sulfur which is not in the form of a compound with other elements. Accordingly, sulfur compounds known as photographic additives in the art such as sulfide, sulfuric acid (or salt thereof), sulfurous acid (or salt thereof), thiosulfuric acid (or salt thereof), sulfuric acid (or salt thereof, thioether compound, thiourea compound, mercapto compound, and heterocyclic compounds, are not elemental sulfurs used in the invention.
The elemental sulfur is known to take several allotropic forms, any of which may be used in the invention. Among these allotropic forms, a form stable at a room temperature is α-sulfur which belongs to the rhombic system. The use of α-sulfur is preferred.
When incorporating the "elemental sulfur" used in the invention into the silver halide emulsion layer, it is preferable to use it in the form of a solution, though the incorporation of elemental sulfur in the solid form is also possible. Though not soluble in water, inorganic sulfur is known to be soluble in carbon disulfide, sulfur chloride, benzene, diethyl ether, and ethanol Preferably the elemental sulfur to be used is dissolved in any of these solvents. Among them ethanol is particularly preferred in view of its handling and photographic performances.
The appropriate amount of inorganic sulfur to be added varies depending on various factors such as the type of silver halide emulsion being used, or the magnitude of the effect intended. The amount of the elemental sulfur to be added is usually 1 x 10⁻⁵ mg to 10 mg per 1 mol of silver halide. Addition of the elemental sulfur may be made only once or may be divided into several steps.
The photographic layer where the elemental sulfur used in the invention is added is a light-sensitive silver halide emulsion layer.
The timing of adding the elemental sulfur is generally before the formation of silver halide emulsion layers. In other words, the timing may be either before the formation of silver halide grains; during the formation of silver halide grains; after the formation of silver halide grains and before the initiation of chemical sensitization; at the initiation of chemical sensitization; during chemical sensitization; at the termination of chemical sensitization; or a period after the termination of chemical sensitization and before the coating operation. The preferred timing of addition is at the initiation of chemical sensitization; during chemical sensitization; or before the termination of chemical sensitization.
The chemical sensitization initiation process is a process during which a chemical sensitizer is added. The start of this process is marked by the addition of a chemical sensitizer.
The chemical sensitization can be terminated by a method known in the photographic art. The known methods for terminating the chemical sensitization include a method that decreases the temperature of the emulsion; a method that decreases the pH level; and a method that uses a chemical sensitization-stopping agent. However, in view of the stability of the silver halide emulsion, the particularly preferred method is a method using a chemical sensitization-stopping agent. The known useful chemical sensitization-stopping agents include halides (such as potassium bromide, and sodium chloride); organic compounds known as an anti-fogging agent or a stabilizer (such as 7-hydroxy-5-methyl-1,3,4,7a-tetraazaindene). These agents can be used singly or in combination.
The inorganic sulfur of the invention can be added at the chemical sensitization stop process. The "chemical sensitization stop process" means a process where the above-mentioned chemical sensitization-stopping agent is added. In this case, the inorganic sulfur is added during the chemical sensitization stop process. More specifically, at the time where a chemical sensitization-stopping agent is added or within 10 minutes before or after the addition, or, more preferably, at the timing of addition or within 5 minutes before or after the addition.
In the structure of the magenta coupler represented by the previously mentioned General Formula [M-VIII], below;

Z₁ represents a group of non-metallic atoms necessary to complete an optionally substituted nitrogen-containing heterocyclic ring.
X represents a hydrogen atom; or a group that is capable of being split off by reaction with an oxidation product of a color developing agent.
R₁ represents a hydrogen atom, or a substituent group.
The substituent group represented by R₁ is not particularly limited but is typically any of the following groups, namely, alkyl, aryl, anilino, acylamino, sulfonamide, alkylthio, arylthio, alkenyl, and cycloalkyl groups. Other examples include a halogen atom; cycloalkenyl, alkynyl, heterocyclic, sulfonyl, sulfinyl, phosphonyl, acyl, carbamoyl, sulfamoyl, cyano, alkoxy, aryloxy, heterocyclic oxy, siloxy, acyloxy, carbamoyloxy, amino, alkylamino, imide, ureide, sulfamoylamino, alkoxycarbonylamino, aryloxy carbonylamino, alkoxycarbonyl, aryloxy carbonyl, and heterocyclic thio groups; and spiro residue and bridged hydrocarbon residue.
The alkyl group represented by R₁ is preferably one having 1 to 32 carbon atoms, and is optionally straight-chained or branched.
The aryl group represented by R₁ is preferably a phenyl group.
The examples of the acylamino group represented by R₁ include alkylcarbonylamino and arylcarbonylamino groups.
The examples of the sulfonamide group represented by R₁ include alkylsulfonylamino and arylsulfonylamino groups.
The examples of the alkyl and aryl components in the alkylthio and arylthio groups represented by R₁ are alkyl and aryl groups each represented by R₁.
The alkenyl group represented by R₁ is preferably one having 2 to 32 carbon atoms; and cycloalkyl group represented by R₁ is favorably one having 3 to 12, more favorably 5 to 7 carbon atoms; the alkenyl group may be straight-chained or branched.
The cycloalkenyl group represented by R₁ is favorably one having 3 to 12 carbon atoms, more favorably 5 to 7 carbon atoms.
The examples of the sulfonyl group represented by R₁ include alkylsulfonyl and arylsulfonyl groups.
The examples of the so-represented sulfinyl group include alkylsulfinyl and arylsulfinyl groups.
The examples of the so-represented phosphonyl group include alkylphosphonyl, alkoxyphosphonyl, aryloxyphosphonyl, and arylphosphonyl groups.
The examples of the so-represented acyl group include alkylcarbonyl and arylcarbonyl groups.
The examples of the so-represented carbamoyl group include alkylcarbamoyl and arylcarbamoyl groups.
The examples of the so-represented sulfamoyl group include alkylsulfamoyl and arylsulfamoyl groups.
The examples of the so-represented acyloxy group include alkylcarbonyloxy and arylcarbonyloxy groups.
The examples of the so-represented carbamoyloxy group include alkylcarbamoyloxy and arylcarbamoyloxy groups.
The examples of the so-represented ureide group include alkylureide and arylureide groups.
The examples of the so-represented sulfamoylamino group include alkylsulfamoyl amino and arylsulfamoyl amino groups.
The so-represented heterocyclic group is preferably five- to seven-membered, and the examples of the five-to seven membered include 2-furyl, 2-thienyl, 2-pyrimidinyl, or 2-benzothiazolyl group.
The so-represented heterocyclic oxy group is preferably one having a five- to seven-membered heterocyclic ring, and typically, 3,4,5,6-tetrahydropyranyl-2-oxy group or 1-phenyl-tetrazole-5-oxy group.
The so-represented heterocyclic thio group is preferably a five- to seven-membered heterocyclic thio group, for example, 2-pyridylthio, 2-benzothiazolylthio, or 2,4,-di-phenoxy-1,3,5-triazole-6-thio group.
The examples of the so-represented siloxy group include trimethylsiloxy, triethylsiloxy, and dimethylbutylsiloxy groups.
The examples of the so-represented imide group include succinimide, 3-heptadecyl succinimide, phthalimide, and glutarimide groups.
The examples of the so-represented spiro residue include spiro [3,3]heptane-1-yl.
The examples of the so-represented bridged hydrocarbon residue include bicyclo[2,2,1]heptane-1-yl, tricyclo[3,3,1,1^3,7] decane-1-yl, and 7,7-dimethyl-bicyclo[2,2,1]heptane-1-yl.
The examples of the group that is represented by X and is capable of being split off by reaction with an oxidation product of the color developing agent include halogen atoms (e.g., chlorine, bromine, and fluorine atoms); alkoxy, aryloxy, heterocyclic oxy, acyloxy, sulfonyloxy, alkoxycarbonyloxy, aryloxycarbonyl, alkyloxalyloxy, alkoxyoxalyloxy, alkylthio, arylthio, heterocyclic thio, alkyloxythio carbonylthio, acylamino, sulfonamide, N-atom bonded nitrogen-containing heterocycle, alkyloxycarbonylamino, aryloxycarbonylamino, carboxyl, and

(wherein R₁′ is synonymous with the previously defined R₁; Z₁′, synonymous with the previously defined Z₁; and R₂′ and R₃′ independently represent a hydrogen atom, or aryl, alkyl, or heterocyclic group). Among these examples, however, a particularly preferred one is a halogen atom, especially, chlorine atom.
The examples of the nitrogen-containing heterocyclic ring formed by Z₁ or Z₁′ include pyrazole, imidazole, triazole, and tetrazole rings. For the substituent groups which any of these rings may have, those mentioned with respect to the previously defined R₁ are suitable.
The couplers represented by General Formula [M-I] are more specifically represented by the following General Formulas [M-II], [M-III], [M-V] or [M-VII]:
In Formulas [M-II], [M-III], [M-V] and [M-VII] above, R₁ through R₃, R₅, R₆ and X are synonymous with the previously mentioned R₁ and X.
Of the magenta couplers previously expressed by General Formulas [M-II], [M-III], [M-V] and [M-VII], the most advantageous are those expressed by General Formula [M-II].
As the substituent which a ring formed by Z₁ in General Formula [M-I], may have, or as any of R₁ through R₃, R₅ and R₆ in General Formulas [M-II], [M-III] and [M-V], those expressed by the following General Formula [M-IX] are particularly preferred.

General Formula [M-IX] - R¹ - SO₂ - R²
In the formula, R¹ represents an alkylene group, and R² represents an alkyl group, a cycloalkyl group, or an aryl group.
The alkylene group represented by R¹ has a straight chain portion having preferably 2 or more carbon atoms, in particular, 3 to 6 carbon atoms, and may be of either straight chained or branched configuration.
As the cycloalkyl group represented by R², a five-or six-membered one is preferred.
If the light-sensitive material is used for positive image formation, the particularly preferable substituent group R₁ on the previously mentioned heterocyclic ring is one represented by the following General Formula [M-X].
In the formula, R₉, R₁₀, and R₁₁ are synonymous with aforesaid R₁.
Two of the above mentioned R₉, R₁₀, and R₁₁, for example, R₉ and R₁₀, may be interlinked together to form a saturated or unsaturated ring (e.g., cycloalkane, cylcoalkene, or heterocycle), and further, R₁₁ may be combined with the ring to form a bridged hydrocarbon residue group.
With General Formula [M-X], it is preferable that (i) at least two of R₉ through R₁₁ are alkyl groups, or that (ii) one of R₉ through R₁₁, for example, R₁₁ is a hydrogen atom, wherein the other two i.e. R₉ and R₁₀ are interlinked together to form cycloalkyl in conjunction with a bridgehead atom.
Further, in the above case (i), it is preferable that two of R₉ through R₁₁ are alkyl groups, while the other one is a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group.
If the light-sensitive material of the invention is used for negative image formation, the particularly preferable substituent group R₁ on the above mentioned heterocycle is one represented by the following General Formula [M-XI].

General Formula [M-XI] R₁₂ - CH₂ -
R₁₂ in this formula is synonymous with aforesaid R.
R₁₂ is preferably a hydrogen atom, or an alkyl group.
The typical examples of the compounds according to the invention are as follows

.
In addition to the typical examples given above, other examples of the compounds of the invention are those shown by Nos. 1 through 4, 6, 8 through 17, 19 through 24, 26 through 43, 45 through 59, 61 through 104, 106 through 121, 123 through 162, and 164 through 223, of those described in pp. 66-122 of the specification of Japanese Patent O.P.I. Publication No. 166339/1987.
These couplers can be synthesized by referring to Journal of the Chemical Society, Perkin I (1977), pp. 2047-2052; U.S. Patent No. 3,725,067, and Japanese Patent O.P.I. Publication Nos. 99437/1984, 42045/1983, 162548/1984, 171956/1984, 33552/1985, 43659/1985, 172982/1985, and 190779/1985.
The couplers of the invention are usually used, for example, in an amount of 1 x 10⁻³ mols to 1 mol, or, preferably, 1 x 10⁻² mol to 8 x 10⁻¹ mols, per mol silver halide.
The couplers of the invention can be used in conjunction with other types of magenta couplers.
The silver halide grains in the silver halide emulsion used in the invention can be any of silver chloride, silver chloro-bromide, silver bromide, silver iodo-bromide, and silver chloro-iodo-bromide, and, can be mixture of these types of grains.
However, the particularly advantageous emulsion is a silver chloride-containing emulsion. More specifically, the high-silver chloride emulsion is advantageous in having significantly good rapid-processability.
Because the effect of using the inorganic sulfur used in the invention and a magenta coupler represented by General Formula [M-VIII] in combination is more significant, the high chloride silver halide grains preferably comprise not less than 80 mol%, or, more preferably, not less than 90 mol% of silver chloride; preferably not more than 20 mol%, or, more preferably, not more than 10 mol% of silver bromide; and preferably not more than 0.5 mol% of silver iodide. More specifically, the preferred silver bromide content is 0 to 5 mol%.
The weight ratio of silver halide grains whose silver chloride content being not less than 90 mol% among the whole silver halide grains in the silver halide emulsion layer is preferably not less than 60 wt%, or, more preferably, not less than 80 wt%. The composition of silver halide grains, where the grains are high chloride silver halide grains used in conjunction with the inorganic sulfur, can be uniform from the core to the exterior of each grain, or the composition of the grain interior can be different from that of the exterior. If the composition of the grain interior is different from that of the exterior, the composition can vary either continuously or discontinuously.
The size of the silver halide grains used in the invention is not specifically limited. However, to improve rapid-processability, sensitivity and other photographic performance criteria, the preferred size is within a range of 0.2 to 1.6 »m, or, more specifically, 0.25 to 1.2 »m.
The grain size can be measured by a variety of methods commonly used in the photographic art. The typical methods are described in "Analysis Method of Grain Size" (by Labrand), A.S.T.M. Symposium on Light Microscopy (1955), pp. 94-122; "The Theory of the Photographic Process" by Mees and James, 3rd edition, Chapter 2, published from Macmillan Company (1966).
The grain sizes can be measured based on projected areas or can be determined by directly using approximate diameter values of grains.
When silver halide grains have virtually identical configurations, the grain size distribution can be expressed with considerable precision by diameter or projected area.
The grain size distribution of the silver halide grains may be either multidispersed or monodispersed type. The monodispersed silver halide grains have, for example, a variation coefficient of not more than 0.22, or, preferably, not more than 0.15, in terms of the size distribution of the silver halide grains contained in an emulsion. The variation coefficient is a coefficient indicating the range of the grain size distribution and is defined by the following expressions. $Variation coefficient (S/ \bar{r}) = \frac{Standard deviation of size distribution}{Average grain size}$
$Standard deviation of grain size distribution (S) = \sqrt{\frac{Σ(\bar{r} -ri)²ni}{Σni}}$
$Average grain size (\bar{r}) = (\bar{r}) = \frac{Σniri}{Σni}$
In the above expressions, ri represents sizes of individual grains; ni, the number of individual grains counted. The term "grain" size here means the diameter of an individual spherical silver halide grain; a diameter, when the grain is cubic or has any shape other than spherical shape, is that of a projected image converted into a disc image.
The silver halide grains used in the invention can be prepared by any of the acid process, neutral process, and ammonium process. The grains may be grown at once, or may be grown after seed grains are formed.
A method for forming seed grains may be identical with or different from a method for growing the grains.
As a method for reacting soluble silver salt with soluble halide salt, the normal precipitation method, reverse precipitation method or double-jet precipitation method, or a combination of these methods may be used. The preferred grains are those prepared by the double-jet precipitation method. Furthermore, the pAg-controlled double-jet method disclosed, for example, in Japanese Patent O.P.I. Publication No. 48521/1979, that is, one modification of the double-jet precipitation method, may be used.
If necessary, a solvent for silver halide such as thioether may be used.
Additionally, a compound such as a mercapto-group containing compound, nitrogen-containing compound and sensitizing dye can be added during or after the formation of silver halide grains.
The configurations of silver halide grains used in the invention may be arbitrarily selected.
The preferred one is a cubic grain having {100} face as a crystal face. Additionally, octahedral, tetradecahedral or dodecahedral grains may be prepared using the methods described in, for example, U.S. Patent Nos. 4,183,756, and 4,225,666, Japanese Patent O.P.I. Publication No. 26589/1980, Japanese Patent Examined Publication No. 42737/1980, and in the Journal of Photographic Science 21, 39 (1973).
Also, grains having twin plane can be used.
The silver halide grains may comprise grains with a common configuration, or may be a mixture of various configurations.
With the silver halide grains used in the silver halide emulsion used in the invention, metal atoms in the form of metallic ions may be integrated into the interior and/or onto the surface of each grain by using, for example, a cadmium salt, zinc salt, lead salt, thallium salt, iridium salt or a complex salt thereof, a rhodium salt or a complex salt thereof, or an iron salt or a complex salt thereof, in the course of forming and/or growing the grains. Additionally, by subjecting the grains to an adequate reducing atmosphere, a reduction-sensitization nucleus can be incorporated into the interior and/or onto the surface of every grain.
Once the silver halide grains have satisfactorily grown, excess soluble salts may be either removed or left unremoved from the halide emulsion of the invention.
Such salts can be removed in compliance with the methods described in Research Disclosure No. 17643.
The silver halide grains used in the invention may be those where latent images are primarily formed either on the surface thereof or in the interior thereof. The preferred grains are those where latent images are primarily formed on the surface thereof.
Chemical sensitizers such as a chalcogen sensitizer can be used. A chalcogen sensitizer is a general term covering a sulfur sensitizer, selenium sensitizer, and tellurium sensitizer. Sulfur or selenium sensitizers are advantageous for photographic application. Useful sulfur sensitizers can be conventionally known sensitizers including thiosulfate, allylthiocarbazide, thiourea, allylisothiocyanate, cystine, p-toluene thiosulfonate, and rhodanine. Other useful sulfur sensitizers are described, for example, in U.S. Patent Nos. 1,574,944, 2,410,689, 2,278,947, 2,728,668, 3,501,313, 3,656,955, West German OLS 1,422,869, and Japanese Patent O.P.I. Publication Nos. 24937/1971 and 45016/1980. The amount of sulfur sensitizer being added is usually 10⁻⁷ to 10⁻¹ mol per mol silver halide, although the amount greatly varies depending on various conditions such as pH, temperature and silver halide grain size.
Selenium sensitizers may be used instead of sulfur sensitizers. The examples of useful selenium sensitizers include aliphatic isoselenocyanates such as allylisocyanate; selenoureas; selenoketones; selenoamides; selenocarboxylic salts and esters; selenophosphates; and selenides such as diethyl selenide and diethyl diselenide. The typical examples of these selenium sensitizers are described in U.S. Patent Nos. 1,574,944, 1,602,592, and 1,623,499.
Further sensitization may also be used. Useful reducing agents include stannous chloride, thiourea dioxide, hydrazine, and polyamines. Other examples of useful reducing agents include noble metal compounds such as a gold compound, platinum compound, or palladium compound.
The oxidation number of gold in the gold sensitizers can be +1 or +3. Other types of gold compounds can be used for this purpose. The typical examples of the gold sensitizers include chloroaurate, potassium chloroaurate, auric trichloride, potassium auric thiocyanate, potassium iodoaurate, tetracyanoauric azide, ammonium aurothiocyanate, pyridyl trichloro gold, gold sulfide, and gold selenide.
The amount of gold sensitizer added varies depending on various conditions. As a guideline, the amount is 10⁻⁸ to 10⁻¹ mol, or, preferably, 10⁻⁷ to 10⁻² mol per mol silver halide. The timing of adding these compounds can be arbitrarily selected from during the formation of silver halide grains, physical ripening, chemical ripening, and after the termination of chemical ripening. The use of a gold compound can provide a light-sensitivity of better reciprocity law characteristics.
The photographic emulsion used in the invention can be spectrally sensitized to have sensitivity to an intended spectral range, by using a dye known in the photographic art as a sensitizing dye. The sensitizing dyes may be used either singly or in combination of more than two types.
In conjunction with a sensitizing dye, a supersensitizer, that is a compound capable of enhancing the sensitizing action of a sensitizing dye though it does not provide spectral sensitization action nor absorb visible light, may be incorporated into a photographic emulsion.
To the emulsion can be added a compound known in the art as an anti-fogging agent or a stabilizer, during and/or upon completion of the chemical ripening, and/or after the chemical ripening and before coating-application of the silver halide emulsion, in order to inhibit fogging during the manufacturing, storage and photographic process of the light-sensitive material and/or to stabilize the photographic performance.
A nitrogen-containing heterocyclic compound whose solubility product (Ksp) relative to silver ion is not larger than 1 x 10⁻¹⁰, or, preferably, not larger than 1 x 10⁻¹¹, (hereinafter referred to as an inhibitor) is effectively used. The measurement and arithmetic determination can be performed by referring to "New Experimental Chemistry Lessons Vol. 1" (published by Maruzen), pp. 233-250.
The inhibitors include the compounds described in, for example, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Bulletin (Tokyo) Vol. 26, 314 (1978); Japanese Patent O.P.I. Publication No. 79436/1980; Berichte der Deutschen Chemischen Gesellsdraft 82, 121 (1948); U.S. Patent Nos. 2,,843,491, and 3,017,270; British Patent No. 940,169; Japanese Patent O.P.I. Publication No. 102639/1976; Journal of American Chemical Society, 44, pp. 1502-1510; Beilsteins Handbuch der Organischen Chemie 26, 41, 58. The synthesis methods can be those described in the literature above.
When a purine derivative compound or a mercapto-group containing compound represented by the following General Formula [II] is used, use in conjunction with inorganic sulfur further enhances the effect of the invention.

General Formula [II] Z₀ - SM
In this formula, Z₀ represents an heterocyclic residue; M, a hydrogen atom, alkali metal atom, or ammonium.
The inhibitors can be used singly or in combination, and can be used in conjunction with another stabilizer or anti-fogging agent.
The timing of adding the inhibitor to the silver halide emulsion layer may be before or during the formation of the silver halide grains; after the termination of silver halide grain formation and before the initiation of chemical ripening; during the chemical ripening; after the termination of chemical ripening and before the coating operation. The preferable timing of addition is at the initiation and/or termination of the chemical ripening. The total amount of inhibitor can be added at once, on in steps.
Additionally, the inhibitor can be added to a coating solution for a non-light-sensitive hydrophilic colloid layer adjacent to the silver halide emulsion layer. In this case, the inhibitor is transferred to the emulsion layer after the coating operation, thereby the inhibitor is incorporated into the silver halide emulsion layer.
Incorporating the inhibitor into the silver halide emulsion layer or the non-light-sensitive hydrophilic colloid layer is achieved by dissolving it into an organic solvent which is miscible with water (such as methanol and ethanol) at an arbitary proportion, and by incorporating the resultant solution into such a layer.
The amount of the inhibitor added to the silver halide emulsion layer is not specifically limited. However, usually, the amount is 1x 10⁻⁶ to 1 x 10⁻¹ mol, or, preferably, 1 x 10⁻⁵ to 1 x 10⁻² mol per mol silver halide. If the inhibitor is added to the non-light-sensitive hydrophilic colloid layer, the amount of addition is preferably 1.5 to 3 times that of the inhibitor added to the silver halide emulsion layer. The typical examples of the inhibitor are as follows.
When the invention is applied to color light-sensitive materials or the like, various dye-forming substances can be used, and the typical examples of which are dye-forming couplers.
As a yellow dye forming coupler, the known acylacetanilide couplers are advantageously used, and of which benzoylacetanilide and pyvaloylacetanilide compounds are particularly advantageous. The typical examples of the useful yellow coupler are those described in, for example, British Patent 1,077,874, Japanese Patent Examined Publication No. 40757/1970; Japanese Patent O.P.I. Publication Nos. 1031/1972, 26133/1972, 94432/1973, 87650/1975, 3631/1976, 115219/1977, 99433/1979, 133329/1979, and 30127/1981, U.S. Patent Nos. 2,875,057, 3,253,924, 3,265,506, 3,408,194, 3,551,155, 3,551,156, 3,664,841, 3,725,072, 3,730,722, 3,891,445, 3,900,483, 3,929,484, 3,933,500, 3,973,968, 3,990,896, 4,012,259, 4,022,620, 4,029,508, 4,057,432, 4,106,942, 4,133,958, 4,269,936, 4,286,053, 4,304,845, 4,314,023,, 4,336,327, 4,356,258, 4,386,155, and 4,401,752.
The non-diffusible yellow coupler used in the light-sensitive material is a coupler preferably represented by the following General Formula [Y].
In this formula, R₁ represents a halogen atom, or alkoxy group; R₂, a hydrogen atom, halogen atom, or alkoxy group possibly having a substituent group; R₃, an acylamino group, alkoxycarbonyl group, alkylsulfamoyl group, arylsulfamoyl group, arylsulfonamide group, alkylureide group, arylureide group, succinimide group, alkoxy group, or aryloxy group, each possibly having a substituent group; Z₁, a group capable of being split off upon a coupling reaction with the oxidation product of a color developing agent.
Useful magenta dye image forming couplers, in addition to those of General Formula [M-VIII], are the couplers represented by the following General Formula [a].
In this formula, Ar represents an aryl group; R_a1, a hydrogen atom, or substituent group; R_a2, a substituent group; Y, a hydrogen atom, or a group capable of being split off upon a reaction with the oxidation product of a color developing agent; W, is -NH-, -NHCO- (N atom is bonded to the carbon atom on the pyrazolone nucleus) or -NHCONH-; m, an integer of 1 or 2.
The typical cyan dye image forming couplers are 4-equivalent and 2-equivalent phenol and naphthol couplers, and which are described in U.S. Patent Nos. 2,306,410, 2,356,475, 2,362,598, 2,367,531, 2,369,929, 2,423,730, 2,474,293, 2,476,008, 2,498,466, 2,545,687, 2,728,660, 2,772,162, 2,895,826, 2,976,146, 3,002,836, 3,419,390, 3,446,622, 3,476,563, 3,737,316, 3,758,308, and British Patent Nos. 478,991, 945,542, 1,084,480, 1,377,233, 1,388,024, and 1,543,040, Japanese Patent O.P.I. Publication Nos. 37425/1972, 10135/1975, 25228/1975, 112038/1975, 117422/1975, 130441/1975, 6551/1976, 37647/1976, 52828/1976, 108841/1976, 109630/1978, 48237/1979, 66129/1979, 131931/1979, 32071/1980, 146050/1984, 31953/1984, and 117249/1985.
The preferred cyan dye image forming couplers are those represented by the following General Formulas [E] and [F].
In this formula, R₁ represents an aryl group, cycloalkyl group, or heterocyclic group; R₂, an alkyl group or phenyl group; R₃, a hydrogen atom, halogen atom, alkyl group, or alkoxy group; Z₁, a hydrogen atom, halogen atom, or a group capable of being split off upon a reaction with the oxidation product of an aromatic primary amine color developing agent.
In this formula, R₄ represents an alkyl group (such as a methyl group, ethyl group, propyl group, butyl group, and nonyl group); R₅, an alkyl group (such as methyl group, and ethyl group); R₆, a hydrogen atom, halogen atom (such as fluorine, chlorine and bromine), alkyl group (such as methyl group, and ethyl group); Z₂, a hydrogen atom, halogen atom, or a group capable of being split off upon reaction with the oxidation product of an aromatic primary amine color developing agent.
It is advantageous to use gelatin as a hydrophilic colloid in which the silver halide used in the invention is dispersed. However, other types of hydrophilic colloid can be used.
The most common examples of the preferable hydrophilic colloid are gelatins such as alkali-treated gelatin and acid-treated gelatin. Other examples of the hydrophilic colloid include those comprising the above-mentioned gelatin partially replaced with derivative gelatin such as phthal gelatin, phenylcarbamoyl gelatin; and partially hydrolyzed cellulose derivative, partially hydrolyzed vinyl polyacetate, polyacrylamide, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl pyrolidone, and copolymers of these vinyl compounds.
The silver halide photographic light-sensitive material of the invention can incorporate various known photographic additives. The examples of such additives include ultraviolet absorbents (such as benzophenone compounds and benzotriazole compounds), dye-image stabilizers (such as phenol compound, bisphenol compounds, hydroxychroman compounds, bisspirochroman compound, hydantonin compounds, and dialkoxybenzene compounds), anti-stain agents (such as hydroquinone derivatives), surfactants (such as sodium alkylnaphthalenesulfonate, sodium alkylbenzenesulfonate, sodium alkylsuccinate sulfonate, and polyalkylene glycol), water-soluble anti-irradiation dyes (such as azo compounds, styryl compounds, triphenylmethane compounds, oaxanol compounds, and anthraquinone compounds), hardeners (such as halogen S-triazine compounds, vinylsulfone compounds, acryloyl compounds, ethyleneimino compounds, N-methylol compounds, epoxy compounds, and water-soluble aluminum salts), layer-properties improving agents (such as glycerin, aliphatic multivalent alcohols, polymer dispersions (latex), solid or liquid paraffin, and colloidal silica), fluorescent whitening agents (such as diaminostylbene compounds), and various oil-soluble paints.
Other than the emulsion layers, the photographic layers for constituting the silver halide photographic light-sensitive material of the invention include, for example, a subbing layer, intermediate layer, yellow filter layer, ultraviolet absorbing layer, protective layer, and anti-halation layer, and each of such layers can be arbitrarily incorporated according to a specific requirement.
According to the requirements, the support of the silver halide photographic light-sensitive material according to the invention can be arbitrarily selected from supports made, for example, of paper, glass, cellulose acetate, cellulose nitrate, polyester, polyamide, and polystyrene; or from lamination members, i.e. lamination supports made of more than two materials, such as a lamination member made of paper and polyolefine (such as polyethylene, and polypropylene).
To improve adhesion to the silver halide emulsion layer, such a support is usually subjected to various types of surface treatment. For example, its surface is coarsened mechanically, or by using an appropriate organic solvent; or it is subjected to surface treatment such as electron impact treatment or flame treatment; or it is subjected to a subbing treatment for forming a subbing layer.
The silver halide photographic light-sensitive material of the invention can form an image when subjected to a developing process known in the photographic art.
The black-and-white developing agents which may be used are, for example, those described in The Theory of Photographic Process, by T.H. James, Vol. 4, pp. 291-326.
The color developing agents which may be used in the color developer include the known agents commonly used in various color photographic processes. These developing agents include aminophenol and p-phenylenediamine derivative developing agents. These compounds are stabler in the form of a salt than in the free state, and, therefore, they are used in the form of hydrochloride, or sulfate. These compounds are usually used at a concentration of approx. 0.1 to 30 grams, or, preferably, approx. 1 to 15 grams per liter color developer.
The examples of the useful aminophenol based developing agent include o-aminophenol, p-aminophenol, 5-amino-2-oxytoluene, 2-amino-3-oxytoluene, and 2-oxy-3-amino-1,4-dimethylbenzene.
The particularly useful primary aromatic amine color developing agents are N,N′-dialkyl-p-phenylenediamine compounds, wherein their alkyl and phenyl groups may have arbitrary substituents. The especially advantageous examples of such compounds include N,N′-diethyl-p-phenylenediamine hydrochloride, N-methyl-p-phenylenediamine hydrochloride, N,N′-dimethyl-p-phenylenediamine hydrochloride, 2-amino-5-(N-ethyl-N-dodecylamino)-toluene, N-ethyl-N-β-methanesulfonamidoethyl-3-methyl-4-aminoaniline sulfate, N-ethyl-N-β-hydroxyethylaminoaniline, 4-amino-3-methyl-N,N′-diethylaniline, and 4-amino-N-(2-methoxyethyl)-N-ethyl-3-methylaniline-p-toluene sulfonate.
In addition to the above-mentioned developing agent, to the developer used for treating the silver halide photographic light-sensitive material of the invention can be added known compounds such as alkali agents such as sodium hydroxide, and potassium carbonate; alkali metal sulfite, alkali metal bisulfite, alkali metal thiocyanate, alkali metal halide, benzyl alcohol; water softener, and thickener.
The temperature of developer used is not less than 15°C, or, usually, 20 to 50°C. In the case of rapid processing, the preferred temperature is not less than 30°C. The pH level of the developer is usually not lower than 7, or, most commonly, approx. 10 to 13.
In embodying the invention, when using a silver halide photographic light-sensitive material that contains high chloride silver halide emulsion as a silver halide emulsion, the preferred developer is one that virtually does not contain bromine irons.
This is because the bromine ions present significantly hinder rapid developing of the light-sensitive material. The developer that virtually does not contain bromine ions is a processing solution whose bromine ion content is not more than 1 x 10⁻³ M.
The silver halide grains with a high silver chloride content can partially contain silver bromide, and silver iodide, as well. Accordingly, if the light-sensitive material contain silver bromide, a trace amount of the bromine ions is eluted from the material into the developer. The solubility of the so-eluted bromine ions is several digits different from those of the chlorine ions and silver ions in the non-image portion, i.e. in the high chloride silver halide not developed in the developer, thereby the so-eluted bromine ions are partially substituted and retained in the silver halide color photographic light-sensitive material and are possibly transferred to a process following the developing. As mentioned above, since though in a trace amount, the bromine ions are possibly eluted, as mentioned above, into the developer once the high chloride silver halide is developed. Therefore, it is impossible to maintain the bromine ion concentration in the developer at null. The expression "virtually not containing bromine ions" means that the developer does not contain bromine ions other than those unavoidably contained in the developer, such as a trace amount of similar ions eluted by developing. The concentration of 1 x 10⁻³ M is generally the upper allowable level of the unavoidably contained bromine ions in the developer.
The silver halide photographic light-sensitive material of the invention can contain, in the hydrophilic colloid layer, the color developing agent itself, or a precursor of the agent, and can be processed in an alkali active bath. The precursor of a color developing agent is a compound that is capable of generating a color developing agent in an alkali atmosphere, and the examples of which include Schiff-base type precursors with an aromatic aldehyde derivative, multivalent metal ion complex precursors, imide phthalate derivative precursors, amide phosphate derivative precursors, sugar amine reaction product precursors, and urethane type precursors. These precursors of the aromatic primary amine color developing agents are described, for example, in U.S. Patent Nos. 3,342,599, 2,507,114, 2,695,234, and 3,719,492, British Patent No. 803,784, Japanese Patent O.P.I. Publication Nos. 185628/1978, and 79035/1979, Research Disclosure Nos. 15159, 12146, and 13924.
These aromatic primary amine color developing agents and their precursors must added to the light-sensitive material in an amount enough, without further addition, for ensuring satisfactory coloration when the material is subjected to an activation process. The amount varies depending on the type of the light-sensitive material, and is usually, 0.1 to 5 mol, or, preferably, 0.5 to 3 mol per mol silver halide. These color developing agents or their precursors can be used either singly or in combination. Incorporating such compounds into the light-sensitive material is achieved after dissolving it in an appropriate solvent such as water, methanol, ethanol, and acetone, or is effected in the form of an emulsified dispersion prepared using a high boiling point organic solvent such as dibutyl phthalate, dioctyl phthalate, and tricresyl phosphate; or such a compound can be added after being impregnated into latex polymer, as described in Research Disclosure No. 14850.
Once the color developing is complete, the silver halide photographic light-sensitive material is subjected to bleaching and fixing. The bleaching may be performed at the same time as the fixing. Various compounds are used as a fixer, and those commonly used, singly or in combination, include multivalent metal compounds such as of iron (III), cobalt (III), and copper (II); and complex salts of these multivalent metal cations and organic acid, such as metal complex salts of aminopolycarboxylic acids such as ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, nitrilotriacetic acid, N-hydroxyethylethylenediaminediacetic acid; and metal complex salts of malonic acid, tartaric acid, malic acid, diglycolic acid, and diglycolic acid; and ferricyanic salts, and bichromic acid.
A useful fixer is a soluble complexing agent that is capable of dissolving silver halide as complex salt. The examples of such a fixer include sodium thiosulfate, ammonium thiosulfate, potassium thiocyanate, thiourea, and thioether.
Once the fixing is complete, washing is usually performed. Instead of the washing, stabilizing can be performed, or both processes may be used in conjunction. Stabilizer solution used in the stabilizing can incorporate, for example, a pH adjusting agent, chelating agent, or fungicide. Such arrangements are more specifically described in for example Japanese Patent O.P.I. Publication No. 134636/1983.

EXAMPLES

The present invention is hereunder described in more details referring to the following examples. However, these examples are possible embodiments of the invention, and by no means limit the scope of the invention.

Example 1

[Preparation of silver halide emulsion (Em-A)]

The amount of additive used for preparing emulsion as used hereunder means an amount per mol silver halide, unless otherwise specified.
Silver nitrate solution and potassium bromide solution were added to aqueous inactive gelatin solution in 150 minutes using the double-jet precipitation process, whilst the temperature was kept at 50°C, and the pAg level was kept at 7.5.
Next, using conventional methods, desalination and washing were performed to obtain Em-A. Em-A comprised tetradecahedral silver bromide grains whose average size was 0.6 .»m, variation coefficient was 10.0%.

[Preparation of silver halide emulsion (Em-B)]

Em-B was prepared under conditions identical to those for Em-A, except that during the formation of silver halide grains, 3 x 10⁻⁴ mol of K₂IrCℓ₆ was added.
To each of these seed emulsions was added 4.5 mg of sodium thiosulfate to perform chemical sensitization. The chemical sensitization was performed at 60°C for a period optimizing sensitometric performance (sensitivity, and gradation), wherein 2 g of 4-hydroxy-6-methyl-1,3,3a-7-tetrazaindene as a stabilizer was added, and then, the temperature was decreased to terminate the chemical sensitization. 10 minutes before the termination of the chemical sensitization sensitizing dye (D-1) was added, and 5 minutes before the chemical sensitization inorganic sulfur was added (Wako Junyaku) in an amount specified in Table 1. Thus each of Em-1 through Em-5 was obtained.

[Preparation of coated sample]

To each of the so-prepared emulsions were added, as a coating auxiliary, sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate, gelatin, and 10 mg of hardener [H-1] per gram gelatin; and a magenta coupler represented by General Formula [M-VIII] (or Comparative Coupler [A]) (as specified in Table 1) dissolved in dibutylphthalate. The resultant emulsion was applied to and dried on a paper support coated with a polyethylene resin that contained titanium oxide.
In preparing the samples, conditions were adjusted so that the amount added of the magenta coupler of formula [M-VIII] was 40 mol% per mol silver halide; the silver coating weight as converted into metal silver was 0.2 g/m²; for the samples using Comparative Magenta Coupler [A], the amount added of the coupler was 20 mol% per mol silver, and the coating silver weight as converted into metal silver was 0.4 g/m².
With each sample, on the emulsion layer was formed a protective layer of gelatin at a rate of 2.0 g/m². Thus Sample Nos. 1 through 12 were prepared.
Each sample was exposed using the sensitometer Model KS-7 (Konica Corporation), and then, treated according to the developing process A specified below. After the process, each sample was subjected to sensitometric evaluation using the photographic densitometer Model PDA-65 (Konica Corporation).

[Color developing process A]

[Processing solution compositions]

(Color developer)

Water was added to make 1 liter, and the pH was adjusted to 10.20.

(Bleach-fixer)

The pH was adjusted to 7.1 with potassium carbonate or glacial acetic acid, and water was added to make 1 liter.
The samples having undergone the above-mentioned process were subjected to a series of tests below for evaluating Y-stain.

(Y-stain test)

[Light-fastness]

The Y-stain (difference in blue density D, before and after the test) on the non-colored portion was measured on each sample exposed to sun light for 200 hours, as placed on the under-glass outdoor exposure table.

[Moisture-heat fastness]

The Y-stain (difference in blue density D, before and after the test) on the non-colored portion was measured on each sample that was allowed to to stand for 14 days under high temperature, high moisture atmosphere of 65°C and 80RH.
Next, using the so-treated sample, the exposure illumination dependency of the graduation was evaluated in a manner described below.
Two pieces of each sample were exposed through an optical wedge, respectively, for 0.05 seconds (under high illumination) and for 10 seconds (under low illumination), and then, each piece was subjected to a color developing process using the same method as that which was used in sensitivity measurement. The so-treated samples were subjected to sensitometry, thereby the gradation fluctuations (Δr) of each sample was evaluated. Table 1 summarizes the evaluation results.
In this table, r represents a gradation value; Δr represents the difference between r obtained by high illumination exposure and r obtained by low illumination exposure, where smaller values mean better light-sensitive materials whose resultant gradation is less dependent on exposure illumination.
It can be understood from Table 1 that:

(1) The couplers of the invention are superior to comparative couplers, in that the resultant Y-stain is significantly limited; while use of these couplers leads to increased fog and deteriorated Δr;
(2) Addition of inorganic sulfur decreases fog, and, also improves Δr.

Example 2

[Preparation of Em-C, and D]

Silver nitrate solution and sodium chloride solution were added to aqueous inactive gelatin solution according to the double-jet precipitation process whilst the temperature was kept at 45°C; the pH level was kept at 6.0; and the pAg level at 7.3.
Next, based on conventional methods, desalination and washing were performed to obtain Em-C which comprises cubic silver chloride grains whose average size is 0.45 »m, variation coefficient is 6.8%.
Em-D was prepared under conditions identical to those of Em-C, except that during the formation of silver halide grains, 1.5 x 10⁻⁶ mol of K₂IrCℓ₆ was added.
To each of these seed emulsions was added a chemical sensitizer specified in Table 2. Five minutes later, 4 x 10⁻⁴ mol of Sensitizing Dye [D-2] was added, thus each emulsion was subjected to chemical sensitization.
The chemical sensitization was performed at 57°C for a period for optimizing sensitometric performance, wherein a compound specified in Table 2 was added to each emulsion, and then, the temperature was decreased to terminate the chemical sensitization.
Additionally, one minute after the addition of the chemical sensitizer, inorganic sulfur was added as specified in Table 2 to obtain Em-6 through Em-19.
Furthermore, Em-20 through Em-24 were prepared in a manner identical to that of Em-19, except that [S-8], [S-12], [S-39] and [S-42] respectively were added at a rate of 2 x 10⁻⁴ mol.

[Preparation of coated sample]

To each of the so-prepared emulsions were added 0.4 mol of a magenta coupler specified in Table 2 dissolved in dibutyl phthalate; sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate; gelatin; and 10 mg of [H-1] per 1 gram of gelatin; and an additive as specified in Table 2. Then each of the so-obtained emulsions was applied to and dried on a polyethylene-coated paper support, so that the coating silver weight was 0.2 g/m²; and the coating gelatin weight was 4.0 g/m². Next, on the emulsion layer was formed a protective layer by applying and drying gelatin thereon at a rate of 3.0 g/m², thus Sample Nos. 13 through 39 were obtained.
Each sample was exposed using the sensitometer Model KS-7, and then, treated according to developing process B specified below. After the process, each sample was subjected to sensitometric evaluation using the photographic densitometer Model PDA-65.
The exposure illumination dependency of gradation of each sample was evaluated in a manner same as that of Example 1.

[Color developing process B]

[Color developer]

Water was added to make 1 liter, and then the pH was adjusted to 10.10.

[Bleach-fixer]

The pH was adjusted to 6.2 using potassium carbonate or glacial acetic acid, and water was added to 1 liter.

[Stabilizer]

Water was added to make 1 liter, and the pH was adjusted to 7.0 using sulfuric acid or potassium hydroxide.
As is apparent from Table 2, the effect of the invention is clear even with a silver chloride emulsion, whereby the invention provides a light-sensitive material of significantly improved rapid processability
The effect of the invention is further enhanced by adding an iridium compound, gold compound, and inhibitor.

Example 3

The seven layers specified below were sequentially formed by coating on a polyethylene-coated paper support to prepare a multi-layer silver halide photographic light-sensitive material. The amounts added specified below are amounts per square meter, unless otherwise specified.

Layer 1

Layer comprising 1.2 g of gelatin, 0.33 g (as converted into metal silver, hereinafter applicable) of blue-sensitive silver chloro-bromide emulsion (average grain size, 0.8 »m; silver bromide content, 0.3 mol%); and dioctyl phthalate (hereinafter referred to as DOP) dissolving 0.9 g of yellow coupler YC-1, and 0.015 g of 2,5-di-t-octylhydroquinone (HQ-1)

Layer 2

Layer comprising 0.7 g of gelatin; and DOP dissolving 0.06 g of HQ-1

Layer 3

Layer comprising 1.25 g of gelatin, 0.18 g of green-sensitive silver chloro-bromide emulsion Em-24; and DOP dissolving 0.53 g of magenta coupler 34, 0.2 g of [A-1], 0.4 g of [A-2], and 0.015 g of HQ-1

Layer 4

Layer comprising 1.3 g of gelatin; and DOP dissolving 0.08 g of HQ-1, and 0.5 g of ultraviolet absorbent (UV-1)

Layer 5

Layer comprising 1.4 g of gelatin, 0.24 g of red-sensitive silver chloro-bromide emulsion (average grain size, 0.5 »m; silver bromide content, 0.1 mol%); and DOP dissolving 0.3 g of cyan coupler CC-1, 0.2 g of CC-2, and 0.02 g of HQ-1

Layer 6

Layer comprising 1.0 g of gelatin; and DOP dissolving 0.032 g of HQ-1, and 0.2 g of UV-1

Layer 7

Layer comprising 0.003 g of silicon dioxide, and 0.5 g of gelatin
As a hardener, 5 mg of [H-1] was added per gram gelatin, and 10 mg of [H-2] was added per gram gelatin.
Thus, multi-layer silver halide color light-sensitive material No. 40 was prepared. Next, sample Nos. 41 through 43 were prepared by incorporating the modifications specified below.

Sample No. 41: Green-sensitive emulsion Em-24 in layer 3 of Sample No. 40 was replaced with Em-25.

Sample No. 42: Magenta coupler 34 in layer 3 of Sample No. 40 was replaced with comparative coupler [C], wherein coating silver weight was changed to 0.35 g.
Sample No. 43: 0.3 mg of [S-42] was added to Layer 2 of Sample No. 40, and 0.2 mg of [S-42] was added to layer 4.

Sample Nos. 40 through 43 were evaluated using the method in Example 2. The evaluation results of layer 3 are summarized in Table 3.
It is apparent from the results in Table 3 that the silver halide photographic light-sensitive material of the invention minimizes the occurrence of Y stain, without jeopardizing fog, and illumination dependency of gradation.

Comparative coupler [A]

Comparative coupler (B)

Comparative coupler (C)

[H-2] C(CH₂SO₂CH=CH₂)₄

Claims

A light-sensitive silver halide photographic material comprising a support on which is provided at least one silver halide emulsion layer containing a magenta dye-forming coupler represented by general formula M-VIII:
wherein Z₁ represents a group of non-metal atoms necessary to complete an optionally substituted nitrogen-containing heterocyclic ring; X represents a hydrogen atom or a substituent capable of being split off upon reaction with an oxidation product of a color developing agent; and R₁ represents a hydrogen atom or a substituent; provided that the coupler of formula M-VIII is not a compound of formula:

or
wherein elemental sulfur has been added to said silver halide emulsion prior to the formation of said silver halide emulsion layer on said support.
The light-sensitive silver halide photographic material of claim 1, wherein said sulfur is α-sulfur.
The light-sensitive silver halide photographic material of claim 1 or 2, wherein said sulfur is added to a light-sensitive layer.
The light-sensitive silver halide photographic material of claim 1 or 2, wherein said sulfur is added to a non-light sensitive layer.
The light-sensitive silver halide photographic material of any one of the preceding claims, wherein said sulfur is added in an amount of 10⁻⁵ mg to 10 mg per 1 mol of silver halide.
The light-sensitive silver halide photographic material of any one of the preceding claims, wherein said sulfur is added during chemical ripening.
The light-sensitive silver halide photographic material of any one of the preceding claims, wherein said substituent R₁ in formula M-VIII is a halogen atom, an alkyl group, a cycloalkyl group, an alkenyl group, a cycloalkenyl group, an alkynyl group, an aryl group, a heterocyclic group, an acyl group, a sulfonyl group, a sulfinyl group, a phosphonyl group, a carbamoyl group, a sulfamoyl group, a cyano group, a spiro compound residual group, a bridged hydrocarbon compound residual group, an alkoxy group, an aryloxy group, a heterocyclic oxy group, a siloxy group, an acyloxy group, a carbamoyloxy group, an amino group, an alkylamino group, an anilino group, an acylamino group, a sulfonamide group, an imide group, a ureido group, a sulfamoylamino group, an alkoxycarbonylamino group, an aryloxycarbonylamino group, an alkoxycarbonyl group, an aryloxycarbonyl group, an alkylthio group, an arylthio group or a heterocyclic thio group.
The light-sensitive silver halide photographic material of any one of the preceding claims, wherein said substituent R₁ in formula M-VIII is a secondary or tertiary alkyl group.
The light-sensitive silver halide photographic material of any one of the preceding claims, wherein X in formula M-VIII is a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom or an organic group having a carbon atom, an oxygen atom, a sulfur atom, a nitrogen atom or phosphorus atom through which said organic group is connected to the remainder of the compound.
The light-sensitive silver halide photographic material of any one of the preceding claims, wherein X in formula M-VIII is a halogen atom, an alkoxy group, an aryloxy group, a heterocyclic oxy group, an acyloxy group, a sulfonyloxy group, an alkoxycarbonyloxy group, an aryloxycarbonyloxy group, an alkyloxalyloxy group, an alkoxyoxalyloxy group, an alkylthio group, an arylthio group, a heterocyclicthio group, an alkyloxythiocarbonylthio group, an acylamino group, a sulfonamide group, a nitrogen-containing heterocyclic group, an alkyloxycarbonylamino group, an aryloxycarbonylamino group, a carboxyl group or a group represented by the following formula,
(wherein R₁′ is defined to be the same as R₁, Z′ is as defined for Z₁, and R₂′ and R₃′ are independently a hydrogen atom, an aryl group, an alkyl group or a heterocyclic group.).
The light-sensitive silver halide photographic material of any one of the preceding claims, wherein said nitrogen-containing heterocyclic ring in formula M-VIII is a pyrazole ring, an imidazole ring, a triazole ring or a tetrazole ring provided that each ring is optionally substituted by a substituent R₁ as defined in claim 1.
The light-sensitive silver halide photographic material of any one of the preceding claims, wherein said magenta dye forming coupler is a compound represented by formula (II):
wherein R₃ and R₂ are each independently the same as R₁ as defined in claim 1 and X is as defined in claim 1.
The light-sensitive silver halide photographic material of any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein said magenta dye forming coupler is a compound of formula (III), (V) or (VII):

wherein R₁, R₃, R₅ and R₆ are each independently the same as R₁ as defined in claim 1 and X is as defined in claim 1.