Caffenol is a photographic alternative process whereby phenols, sodium carbonate and optionally vitamin C are used in aqueous solution as a film and print photographic developer. Film Photography Project: Coffee Break – Develop Film at Home with Caffenol , Film Photography Project.
Other basic (as opposed to acidic) chemicals can be used in place of sodium carbonate; however, sodium carbonate is the most common.
There are many formulas for caffenol, all based on preparations that contain caffeic acid (i.e., coffee or tea) and a pH modifier, most often sodium carbonate. The chemistry of caffenol developers is based on the action of the reducing agent caffeic acid, which is chemically unrelated to caffeine.
Since then, the process has successfully been adapted for beer, red wine, and infusions with polyphenol-rich foods, such as cloves, rosemary, and mesquite seed pods.
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