Replacement of "NR2" substituents in crystal violet (or ethyl violet) by "CpRu(PPh3)(2)(C= C)" results in formation of stable derivatives of triaryl carbocations, {[CpRu(PPh3)(2)(C=CC6H4-4)][Et2NC6H4-4](2)}C+ (3(+)) and {[CpRu(PPh3)(2)(C=CC6H4-4)](2)[Me2NC6H4-4]} (5(+)), and {[CpRu(PPh3)(2)(C=CC6H4-4)](3)}C+ (7(+)). They were isolated as BF4 salts. The stable carbocation {[CpRu(PPh3)(2)(C=C-th((E)-CH=CH)-th)][Et2NC6H4-4](2)}C+ (th = 2,5-substituted thiophene), has also been synthesized. These complexes exhibit intense electronic absorption in the near-infrared region. Incorporation of thiophene rings was shown to enhance both lambda(max) and f values.