In this paper we describe near-infrared absorbing dyes comprising 2:1 phenylenediamine nickel complexes. Because these metal complexes absorb strongly at wavelengths over 700 nm, these dyes may find use in optical recording media and as optical filters. Some of these nickel complexes exhibit good chemical and photophysical properties in solution. These near-infrared absorbing chromophores were synthesized by the reaction of phenylenediamine derivatives with nickel(II) chloride. These dyes absorb infrared light at wavelengths in the range 780~840 nm with extinction coefficients of 2.5~6.0 X 10 4 Lmol-1 cm-1. The introduction of alkyl, alkoxyl, cyano, and other functional group into the parent dye greatly improved the solubility in organic solvents. Therefore, these chromophores could be used coating materials that shield films or glass from infrared rays.