Simple [N,O] and [N,N]beta-pyridyl or quinolyl enolato/enamido difluoroboron complexes are easily accessible and highly luminescent with good photophysical properties, comparable to BODIPY benchmark dyes. Complete characterization by multinuclear NMR and by single crystal structure analysis as well as pertinent photophysical data are reported. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.