Why do I have to mix chemicals in order and yet prepackaged chemicals come in 1 pack?

[ASA1000]

Like the title says:
So how can, say Kodak Dektol developer, come with all the powdered chemicals in one packet, and yet instructions for mixing your own Dektol always say to 'mix in order'

Why and how?
Thx!

[Michael R]

The mixing order is important for several reasons. Preservatives and or regenerating agents should generally be added as soon as they can unless they interfere with dissolution of subsequent compounds (some chemicals will not go into solution if added after others), pH values affect oxidation rates and solubility of some chemicals (or how fast/easily they can be dissolved).

In the 1950s Kodak developed proprietary methods (you can find several patents) of sequestering certain ingredients so that (a) they would not interact in dry/powder form and (b) they would dissolve in the right order. These methods allowed Kodak to package Dektol, D-76 etc. in single packets. Notice when you buy Ilford powder chemicals there are multiple packets and you add them in order.

[ASA1000]

The mixing order is important for several reasons. Preservatives and or regenerating agents should generally be added as soon as they can unless they interfere with dissolution of subsequent compounds (some chemicals will not go into solution if added after others), pH values affect oxidation rates and solubility of some chemicals (or how fast/easily they can be dissolved).

In the 1950s Kodak developed proprietary methods (you can find several patents) of sequestering certain ingredients so that (a) they would not interact in dry/powder form and (b) they would dissolve in the right order. These methods allowed Kodak to package Dektol, D-76 etc. in single packets. Notice when you buy Ilford powder chemicals there are multiple packets and you add them in order.

Thanks for the explanation....Kodak; I should have known!

[Tin Can]

Normal for a lot of Chemistry including food prep