The present invention describes the development of a end-capped bipyridine compound having formula A and the zinc complex having formula B. The assay having formula 1 can be used to estimate and quantify the amount of zinc ions by monitoring the fluorescence changes. The assay with formula 1 can be use to image and detect Zn2+ ions in MCF7 cell lines. The zinc complex of formula 2 and 4 can be used as a fluorescent sensor for cyanide anions using analyte replacement protocol. The assay with formula 2 is selective only to cyanide anions even in the presence of other competing anions. The assay with formula 3 having bright green solid state emission is used for the preparation of formula 4. The orange fluorescent powder of assay with formula 4 is used for the selective detection of CN− ions in aqueous solution.