Jack, I agree that the price of DiXactol's "B" solution is excessive, particularly when you consider how cheap the chemical is. That chemical, used to make solution DiXactol "B," is Sodium Hydroxide.(posted 8422 days ago)There are two reasons for my conclusion: One, adding vinegar to DiXactol "B" does not produce a fizz; with either pot. or sod. carbonate, vinegar will fizz. Two, neither carbonate turns the mixed developer purple, but sodium hydroxide does. Also, sodium hydroxide induces greater stain than any alkaline I've tested, even pot. carbonate at 100%.
Given DiXactol's mix ratio, I'd say it's about a 1-3% solution (1- 3g/1L) sodium hydroxide and distilled water. If that's not correct, now that you know the chemical, a little testing will narrow it down.
Incidentally, the primary ingredients in DiXactol's "A" solution are Catechol and Glycin. I've done considerable testing with a formulation of my own, with which I've seen stunning results. I will be happy to share my findings with anyone who cares to write me. And soon, when I'm fully satisfied with the results, I will publish the formula and processing details. Right now, I can say without hesitation, my formulation yields sharpness, tightness of grain and tonality (especially in the midrange values) that exceeds anything I've ever seen--including DiXactol and my old standby, PMK. Ted