Cyanine compounds represented by the general formula (I) which exhibit decomposition behavior suitable for the optical recording material to be used in optical recording layers of optical recording media for high-speed recording: (I) wherein A and B are each an optionally substituted benzene or naphthalene ring; X is O, S, Se, CR3R4, or NY; at least either of R1 and R2 is a group represented by the general formula (II) or (III) and when only either is a group represented thereby, the other is an organic group having 1 to 30 carbon atoms; R3 and R4 are each an organic group having 1 to 30 carbon atoms; Y is hydrogen or an organic group having 1 to 30 carbon atoms; at least either of Y1 and Y2 is a group represented by the general formula (IV) and when only either is a group represented thereby, the other is hydrogen or an organic group having 1 to 30 carbon atoms; Z is hydrogen, halogeno, or cyano; Anm− is an m-valent anion; m is an integer of 1 or 2; and p is a coefficient capable of keeping the electric charge neutral.