Diphenylchlorin (DPC) and diphenylbacteriochlorin (DPBC) were synthesized for the first time from reduction of 5,10-diphenylporphyrin (DPP). As photosensitizers they have sizable absorption in the red region of the visible spectrum. The high yield of DPC-photosensitized generation of 1O2, and the EPR studies in homogenerous solution showed that the photodynamic action of DPP-based photosensitizers may proceed via type I and type II machanisms. Diphenylchlorin (DPC) and diphenylbacteriochlorin (DPBC) were synthesized for the first time from reduction of 5,10-diphenylporphyrin (DPP). As photosensitizers they have sizable absorption in the red region of the visible spectrum. The high yield of DPC-photosensitized generation of 1O2, and the EPR studies in homogenerous solution showed that the photodynamic action of DPP-based photosensitizers may proceed via type I and type II machanisms.