The present invention relates to specific metal complexes of dithiolenes with perfluoroalkyl substituted imidazolidine-2-chalcogenone-4,5-dithione ligands, a process for their preparation and their use as colourless IR absorbers, for optical filters application; especially for plasma display panels, or for laser welding of plastics. The compounds may be used in compositions for inks, paints and plastics, especially in a wide variety of printing systems and are particularly well-suited for security applications.