Abstract: A thermally processable imaging element comprises a support bearing an imaging layer comprising a hydrophobic binder and a boron compound of the formula: ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1, R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 are the same or different and are selected from substituted or unsubstituted alkyl groups, and substituted or unsubstituted aryl groups.

Abstract: A photothermographic element comprising a photosensitive silver halide, an organic silver salt and a reducing agent in concentrations such that imagewise exposure to actinic radiation generates from the silver halide a catalyst which accelerates an image-forming reaction between the organic silver salt and the reducing agent is processed by a method comprising the steps of (1) imagewise-exposing the element to actinic radiation to form a latent image therein, (2) subjecting the imagewise-exposed element to a first heating step at a temperature and for a time sufficient to intensify the latent image but insufficient to produce a visible image, and thereafter (3) subjecting the element to a second heating step at a temperature and for a time sufficient to produce a visible image.