To provide the subject element for use in a thermal dye sublimation transfer process and comprising, on a support, a dye layer containing a polymeric binder and a dye represented by a specified formula.

The objective element comprising, on a support, a dye layer containing a polymeric binder and a dye of formula I {wherein Z is H or a substituent; and X is N-R [wherein R is NR3R4 or an aromatic coupling compound E-Q (wherein Q is a group which may be replaced by a diazotized amine; and R3 and R4 together with the atoms to which they are bonded represent the necessary atoms or like to form a ring] or formula II [wherein R1 is NR3R4, OR12, or SR12; R2 is H, cyano, COR13, CO2R12 (wherein R12 and R13 are each H, an alkyl, an alkenyl, or the like), or the like; Y is a substituent; and n is 0 or 1-4]}, is provided. It is suitable that a dye of formula I is obtained, for example, by dissolving a dye of formula III and NH4SCN in THF, refluxing the solution, adding H2Cl2 to the system, and subjecting the mixture to suitable subsequent operations.