Light-activable 1-(2-nitrobenzyl) substituted 1,4-dihydropyridines are provided, which are important intermediates for releasing highly effective 1,4-dihydropyridines. A process for preparing the same is also provided. The compounds may be used for facilitating and observing biological, physiological and pharmacological activities. The invention provides an approach for the synthesis of Ca-agonistic and Ca-antagonistic 1,4-dihydropyrimidines for monitoring calcium channel activity.