Thermal transfer recording material and thermal transfer recording method using same

A thermal transfer recording method used in operation of a recording apparatus including a transfer section composed of a plurality of fine porous column-shaped members, comprising the steps of:

• introducing, into said transfer section by capillarity, a thermal transfer recording material containing a dye represented by the general formula (I):
• ##STR41## where A is a substituted or unsubstituted p-phenylene group, R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are individually a hydrogen atom, a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl or alkenyl group, a cycloalkyl group or a substituted or unsubstituted phenyl group;
• and R.sup.1 may constitute a heterocyclic group composed of a five- or six-member ring in combination with said p-phenylene group A and a nitrogen atom adjacent to said p-phenylene group A, or another heterocyclic group composed of a five- or six-member ring in combination with R.sup.2 and the nitrogen atom adjacent to said p-phenylene group A;
• subjecting said thermal transfer recording material to a state transformation by heating;
• and
• transferring said thermal transfer recording material to a recording medium disposed opposed to said transfer section.