A (preferably nonaqueous) method of making a dipyrromethane is described. The comprises the steps of: (a) providing a reaction system consisting essentially of an aldehyde or acetal, excess pyrrole and a catalyst; (b) reacting the aldehyde or acetal with the pyrrole in the reaction system to form the dipyrromethane therein; (c) quenching the reaction system by adding a base thereto (preferably without simultaneously or concurrently adding water and/or an organic solvent thereto); (d) separating the catalyst from the reaction system; and then (e) separating the pyrrole from the reaction system to produce the dipyrromethane as a residual