An infrared absorbent comprising a metal complex compound prepared by coordinating a thiorato bidentate ligand and a nitrogen-containing bindentate ligand to a center metal. With use of the infrared absorbent, there is provided an infrared absorbing material capable of absorbing a far-infrared or near-infrared light having a wavelength of 700 nm or more, which has a high transmittance of a visible light and a good fastness to heat and light. The infrared absorbing material can be used for an infrared absorbing material such as an optical filter or other various objects.