Herein are disclosed fluorescent dyes based around a framework for a ligand comprising a pyridyl group linked to a diaryl anilido unit. A variety of ligands based on this framework are disclosed. The ligands chelate to a BF2 center to produce the fluorescent dye. The disclosed dyes combine longer Stokes shifts (approximately 100 nm) with increased quantum yields. They are also photostable in aqueous and organic solutions for several hours. These dyes may be used in the labeling of biomolecules for bioimaging and assays. Also disclosed are methods for the synthesis of these dyes.