A simple colorimetric receptor 1 was developed for the sequential detection of Cu2 + and CN−. 1 showed a distinct color change toward Cu2 + from colorless to yellow. The detection limit of 1 for Cu2 + (0.88 μM) was much lower than the WHO guideline (31.5 μM). 1-Cu2 + complex could be used to detect cyanide by showing a color change from yellow to colorless.