| abstract |
Methine compounds represented by the following general formula (Ia) or (Ib); ##STR1## wherein CYA represents atoms having a cyanine chromogen structure, MER represents atoms having a merocyanine chromogen structure, L represents a divalent linkage group composed of an atom or atoms containing at least one of a carbon atom, a nitrogen atom, a sulfur atom and an oxygen atom, Het represents a group containing a 5- to 7-membered hetero ring containing at least one nitrogen atom, l 1 represents 1 or 2, l 2 represents 0 or 1, and l 3 represents 1, 2 or 3. Methine dyes using same are also disclosed. |