In this study, two novel 4,4′-difluoro-4-bora-3a,4a-diaza-s-indacenes (BODIPY)-based metal ion sensors were synthesised using click chemistry. The coordination modes and binding constants of the complexes formed with a range of metal ions were calculated. Results indicate that both BODIPY molecules can potentially serve as fluorescent sensors for the studied metal cations. The results also show that the BODIPY-based sensors have more selectivity for Zn (II) ions in the presence of other metal ions. © 2013 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.