Transition metal complexes of beta-dtpy (1,2,6,7-tetracyano-3,5-dihydro-3,5-diiminopyrrolizinide) are spectrally similar to metallophthalocyanines (derivatives of porphyrin) but with the advantage of being D-2h instead of D-4h so that many degenerate electronic transitions are identifiable separately. We have prepared and characterized Fe(beta-dtpy)(2). 4THF, whose crystal structure allows three spectral polarizations to be measured. We have assigned the visible and ultraviolet transitions that correspond to the Q and Soret regions of porphyrinic complexes; these assignments differ markedly from the traditional "four-orbital" model. The secondary Q peak (R) is a separate electronic transition rather than a vibronic component, and the Soret transition has been reassigned.