To obtain a metal chelate compd. which has improved light and heat stability by forming it from an azoic compd. and a metal.

This metal chelate compd. is formed from an azoic compd. of formula I and a transition metal (e.g. Ni or Co). In the formula, A is a residue which, together with carbon and nitrogen atoms bonded thereto, forms a heterocycle; ring B is arom.; X is an active hydrogen group; and R is alkyl or aryl. The heterocycle-forming residue is represented by formula II, wherein ring D may be substd. by 1-6C alkyl, alkoxy, etc.; and Q is H, 1-6C alkyl, cyano, nitro, halogen, etc. The optical recording medium comprises a transparent substrate (e.g. a plastic), a recording layer having a thickness of 10-5,000 nm and contg. the metal chelate compd., a reflection layer having a thickness of 50-200 nm and reflecting light coming through the substrate, and a protective layer formed on the reflection layer. Writing and/or reading information with a laser is done at the recording layer.