A novel colorimetric and fluorometric calix[4]arene probe (CTP) bearing triphenylamine units was synthesized in good yield and characterized by combination of 1H, 13C, APT, COSY, FTIR, HRMS, and UV- vis spectral data. Ion-binding studies of CTP were investigated in acetonitrile with a wide range of cations and anions and the recognition process was monitored by luminescence, UV-vis and 1H NMR spectral changes. CTP exhibited naked eye detection for Hg2+ion. Also it showed a significant fluorescence quenching towards F-ion. © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.