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⁻.