The peripherally and non-peripherally substituted Zn(II), Mg(II), and Er(III) phthalocyanine complexes were obtained from 3(4)-(4-methylphenyldiazenylphenoxy)phthalonitrile. The effect of the complexing metal and the location of the substituent on the spectral properties of the obtained compounds was shown. The acid-base properties of non-peripherally substituted metal phthalocyanines were studied. The quantum yield and fluorescence lifetime for the synthesized metal complexes were determined.