stable oxygen scavenger compositions adapted for storage without resulting in substantial sludge formation and oxygen scavenging methods of using the compositions are disclosed . the compositions comprise hydroquinone , a compatible amine termed a mu - amine , and a member selected from the group consisting of isoascorbic acid and ascorbic acid and water soluble salt forms thereof . methods comprise adding from about 0 . 05 - 200 ppm hydroquinone , 0 . 001 - 400 ppm mu - amine , and about 0 . 00025 - 500 ppm of isoascorbic or ascorbic acid to the desired aqueous medium .