Method of forming dye image having superior rapid processing performance

Abstract

A silver halide photographic material containing a support and, provided thereon, at least one silver halide emulsion layer, this silver halide emulsion layer containing silver halide grains containing 90 mol % or more of silver chloride, a dye-forming coupler, and a compound represented by general formula [S]; ##STR1## wherein Q is a group of atoms necessary to complete a 5- or 6-membered heterocyclic ring or a 5- or 6-membered ring fused with a benzene ring and M is a hydrogen atom, an alkali metal or an ammonium group; the silver halide layer having been hardened by a hardener represented by formula [HDA] or [HDB]; ##STR2## wherein Rd.sub.1 is selected from the group consisting of a chlorine atom, a hydroxyl group, an alkyl group, an alkoxy group, an alkylthio group, an --OM group, wherein M is an mono-valent metal atom, a --NR'R' group, wherein R' and R' are independently selected from the group consisting of a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group and an aryl group and a --NHCOR'' group, in which R'' is selected from the group consisting of a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group and an aryl group; Rd.sub.2 is selected from the group consisting of a hydroxyl group, an alkyl group, an alkoxy group, an alkylthio group, an --OM group, wherein M is an mono-valent metal atom, a --NR'R' group, wherein R' and R' are independently selected from the group consisting of a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group and an aryl group and a --NHCOR'' group, in which R'' is selected from the group consisting of a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group and an aryl group; ##STR3## wherein Rd.sub.3 and Rd.sub.4 are independently selected from the group consisting of a chlorine atom, a hydroxyl group, an alkyl group, an alkoxy group and an --OM group, in which is a mono-valent metal atom; Q and Q' is a divalent atom or group selected from --O--, --S-- and --NH--; L is an alkylene group or an arylene group; and p and q are independently integers of 0 or 1. The above-described silver halide photographic material is processed with a color developing solution containing a sulfite ion in a quantity of 2.times.10.sup.-4 to 1.times.10.sup.-2 moles per liter, this developing solution being substantially free of bromide ion. The above-described material and process for developing the same, being better suited for use in rapid developing processes.