The solvent dependence of the short-wavelength absorption bands of sel
ected cyanine dyes incorporating 1H-pyrazolo[4,3-d]-[1,2,3]oxadiazole
moiety was studied in the visible region. The spectra show a complex c
harge transfer CT transition and the assignments are based on solvatoc
hromic behaviour of this transition. The absorption spectra in buffer
solution have been also utilized to select the optimal pH value at whi
ch they can be applied as photosensitizers.