Several stabilized cyanine dye complexes in which a cyanine dye cation is stabilized by a transient metal chelate anion have been synthesized. The structure of the complexes was confirmed by elemental analysis, visible/near-infra red absorption, 1 HNMR, and IR spectroscopy, and correlations between the constitution and properties of the dyes have been studied. The stabilized cyanine dye complex coloring matters exhibit an enhanced resistance to light, heat and moisture, in comparison with non-stabilized cyanine dye compounds, and are thus of potential interest for use in optical recording media.