Diels–Alder-reactions of a thiazol-2-thione-based, tricyclic 1,4-di-phosphinine were investigated, showing that the central aromatic π-system can react with various dienophiles. The reaction with 4-phenyl-1,2,4-triazoline-3,5-dione was special as the product revealed a remarkable sensitivity towards light, thus enabling the photochemical deprotection of the tricyclic 1,4-diphosphinine.