The synthesis, electrochemistry, and photophysical characterization of a 10,10-dimethyl-5,15-bis(pentafluorophenyl)-biladiene (DMBil1) linear tetrapyrrole supporting Pd-II or Pt-II centers is presented. Both of these nonmacrocyclic tetrapyrrole platforms are robust and easily prepared via modular routes. X-ray diffraction experiments reveal that the Pd[DMBil1] and Pt[DMBil1] complexes adopt similar structures and incorporate a single Pd-II and Pt-II center, respectively. Additionally, electrochemical experiments revealed that both Pd[DMBil1] and Pt[DMBil1] can undergo two discrete oxidation and reduction processes. Spectroscopic experiments carried out for Pd[DMBil1] and Pt[DMBil1] provide further understanding of the electronic structure of these systems. Both complexes strongly absorb light in the UV-visible region, especially in the 350-600 nm range. Both Pd[DMBil1] and Pt[DMBil1] are luminescent under a nitrogen atmosphere. Upon photoexcitation of Pd[DMBil1], two emission bands are observed; fluorescence is detected from similar to 500-700 nm and phosphorescence from similar to 700-875 nm. Photoexcitation of Pt[DMBil1] leads only to phosphorescence, presumably due to enhanced intersystem crossing imparted by the heavier Pt-II center. Phosphorescence from both complexes is quenched under air due to energy transfer from the excited triplet state to ground state oxygen. Accordingly, irradiation with light of lambda >= 500 nm prompts Pd[DMBil1] and Pt[DMBil1] to photosensitize the generation of O-1(2) (singlet oxygen) with impressive quantum yields of 80% and 78%, respectively. The synthetic accessibility of these complexes coupled with their ability to efficiently photosensitize O-1(2) may make them attractive platforms for development of new agents for photodynamic therapy.