A new naphthalimide derivative of calix[4]arene was synthesized as a highly selective fluorescent compound for Cu 2+ among the selected metal ions. This compound was examined for its fluorescent properties toward different metal ions (Na +, Li +, Mg 2+, Ni 2+, Ba 2+, Ca 2+, Cu 2+, Pb 2+, Zn 2+) and anions (F -, Cl -, Br -, H 2PO4-, NO3-, I -, HSO4-, CH 3COO -) by UV, NMR and fluorescence spectroscopy. © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.