prepared using the Diels–Alder reaction of the HBF4 salts of dipyridylacetylenes with cyclopentadiene. Their absorptions extend to 380 nm and are red-shifted in an acidic media. They underwent photocyclization to give quadricyclanes which reverted to norbornadienes upon heating or encountering a Co(II)–TPP catalyst. 2,3-Bis(1-methylpyridinio)norbornadienes were also prepared by a Diels–Alder reaction of