The thermodynamic and kinetic benefits of 1, 2, 3-triazolyl coordination in a multidentate ligand context are quantified via comparison of the properties of two isomeric ligands with integrated (coordinating) and passively (noncoordinating) attached 1, 2, 3-triazolyl groups, respectively. The 7-methoxycoumarin-containing ligand of the integrated design is an effective fluorescent indicator in imaging Zn ions in mammalian cells and rat hippocampal ...