Abstract: Phthalocyanines of formula (I) are described wherein M is a metal atom, metal compound or is 2H; one H being bonded to each of the two nitrogen atoms depicted as being bonded to M (positions 29 and 31 shown); R.sub.1 -R.sub.25 may be the same or different and are chosen independently from the following groups: straight or branched chain alkyl containing up to 32 carbon atoms where 1 or more non-adjacent CH.sub.2 groups may be replaced by O and/or a double bond; H; F; and at least one of R.sub.2.3.9.10.16.17.34.24 is chosen from formula (II) wherein Y, X and Z are chosen independently from HO, `O, --O, OR, H, C.sub.1-16 branched or straight chain alkyl or alkoxy; X and Z may also be selected from phenyl groups which may be, independently of each other, substituted with one or more C.sub.1-5 straight or branched chain alkyl groups; R may be C.sub.1-16 branched or straight chain alkyl or alkene wherein 1 or more non-adjacent CH.sub.