A new boron-dipyrromethene (BODIPY) derivative bearing a boronate group (1) had been designed and synthesized.

The addition of F⁻ and CN⁻ to 1 in THF solution induced a rapid color change from rose pink to indigo and faint pink, respectively.

The emission color of the 1 changed from red to indigo and green in presence of F⁻ and CN⁻, respectively.

The preferential binding of cyanide occurs at the boron center of BODIPY core. On the other hand, fluoride binding occurs at the boron center of BODIPY core and boronate moiety.