Compositions and methods for production of color images using leuco
dye-containing color forming compositions are described. The color forming composition
can include a color forming leuco dye, a metal salt activator, a suppression agent
configured for inhibiting the activity of the metal salt activator until application
of energy in the form of heat or light, and an initiator precursor. The initiator
precursor is capable of liberating scavenger species which reduce the inhibiting
action of the suppression agent. The color forming compositions can be a single
phase mixture of a leuco dye, metal salt activator, suppression agent, and initiator
precursor which are stable under ambient conditions and form a colored composition
upon application of energy.
