A process for the preparation of substituted amido phthalocyanines having the general formula I:MPc--(CONR.sup.1 R.sup.2).sub.n Ivia the reaction of a phthalocyanine carboxamide having the formula MPc(CONH.sub.2).sub.x wherein Pc is a Phthalocyanine ring; M is a hydrogen or a metal capable of forming a metal phthalocyanine such as Mg, Al, Ni, Fe, Zn, Pb, Sn or Cu and x is a number from 0.1 to 4.0, with an amine acid salt denoted by formula II: ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen; an alkyl group having 1-20 carbons; a cyclic alkyl group; an aryl group; an arylalkyl having 1-20 carbons; an alcohol group having 2-20 carbons; an alkyl amino alkyl group; an aliphatic amine having 1-20 carbons; an aliphatic amine acid salt having 1-20 carbons; polyoxyalkylene groups ranging in molecular weight 89-2000; polyoxyalkyleneamines ranging in molecular weight 148-4000; Z is the hydrogen sulphate or the hydrochloride salt of the amine.