A metal chelate compound between a monoazo compound of general formula (I) and a metal, wherein A represents a residue which forms a heterocycle together with the carbon and nitrogen atoms to which it is bonded, B represents a residue which forms an aromatic ring together with the two carbon atoms to which it is bonded, and X represents hydrogen or a cation. An optical recording medium comprising a substrate and, provided thereon, a recording layer which enables information to be written and read by means of laser beams, wherein the recording layer contains a metal chelate compound between the monoazo compound of general formula (I) and a metal.