A chromonic compound represented by one of the following general structures: ##STR00001## whereineach R.sup.2 is independently selected from the group consisting of electron donating groups, electron withdrawing groups, and electron neutral groups,R.sup.3 is selected from the group consisting of substituted and unsubstituted heteroaromatic rings and substituted and unsubstituted heterocyclic rings, said rings being linked to the triazine group through a nitrogen atom within the ring of R.sup.3, andM+ is a noble or transition metal cation.