PURPOSE: To obtain a semiconductive laser recording medium having absorption in a near infrared region and having high sensitivity and good stability, by containing a specific α-diimine metal complex in a recording layer.

CONSTITUTION: A thin layer containing at least one compound selected from compounds represented by general formulae [I]W[VI] is provided on a substrate. For example, a compound represented by the general formula [I] is synthesized by oxidizing a bis-O-phenylenediaminato iron complex, which is obtained by refluxing a ferrous salt and O-phenylenediamines or a salt thereof under heating in an inert atmosphere, in air in the presence of a dehydrating agent at room temp. A guide groove is formed to a glass or plastic substrate in order to facilitate tracking at the time of recording and a primer layer is provided thereto. A recording layer is formed by a system for applying a solution prepared by dissolving said α-diimine metal complex in a solvent to the substrate by coating or vapor deposition or a system for applying a mixture consisting of said solution and a resin solution.