A xanthene-forming condensation reaction yields rhodol and rhodamire dyes carrying a zinc-binding ligand that includes the aniline-type nitrogen donor of the fluorophores. Upon zinc coordination in neutral aqueous solution, rhodol RF3 behaves as a ratiometric sensor, and rhodamine RA1 acts as a turn-off intensity-based indicator. Both fluorescent compounds bind the divalent zinc cation wit micromolar affinity.