Boron–dipyrromethene based specific chemodosimeter for fluoride ion

3,5-Bis(trimethylsilylethynyl)-4,4-difluoro-8-(4-tolyl)-4-bora-3a,4a-diaza-s-indacene [BODIPY(CCTMS)2] has been synthesized by coupling of 3,5-dibromo-4,4-difluoro-8-(4-tolyl)-4-bora-3a,4a-diaza-s-indacene with trimethylsilylacetylene under pd(0) coupling conditions. The BODIPY(CCTMS)2 was used as a selective colourimetric and fluorescent chemodosimeter for fluoride ion, following the F− ion induced cleavage of trimethylsilyl group, the protecting group of ethyne functionality by monitoring the changes in UV–vis and fluorescence properties. The dosimeter BODIPY(CCTMS)2 display clear changes in colour, absorption and emission bands selectively for F− ion over other anions such as Cl−, Br−, I−, ClO4− and HPO42−.