Abstract: Phthalocyanines of formula (I) are described, wherein M is a metal atom, metal compound or silicon or a compound of silicon or is 2H; R.sub.1 -R.sub.25 may be the same or different, provided that at least one of R.sub.1 -R.sub.25 has the Formula (II), wherein Y groups are independently H, C.sub.1-3 alkyl, halogen or CN; k=0 or 1; l=1-10; m=0 or 1; n=1-10; p=1-10; q=1-20; r=0 or 1; X may be H, Me, etc . . . Compounds of the above formulae are useful in a broad range of applications, including electrooptical devices, and for use in optical recording media.