A simple quinoline derivative (quinoline-base sensor) was synthesized and investigated by its sensing properties towards various metal ions in CH3CN. Quinoline-base sensor showed a highly selective fluorescent enhancement towards Mg2+. The association constant of a 1:1 complex between quinoline-base sensor and Mg2+ was determined as 1.91×107 M−1. The detection limit of quinoline-base sensor for the analysis of Mg2+ ion was determined as 19.1 ppb; this value is below the maximum permissible level for drinking water.