The tripodal probe L was readily prepared via introducing rhodamine and azobenzene groups in a two-step procedure. Studies of the recognition properties indicated that probe L exhibited high sensitivity and selectivity towards F -, AcOand H2PO4through a ratiometric colorimetric response with low detection limits of the order of 10 -7 M. The complexation behaviour was fully investigated by spectral titration, 1 H NMR spectroscopic titration and mass spectrometry. Probe L not only recognizes F -, AcOand H2PO4 -, but can also distinguish between these three anions via the different ratiometric behaviour in their UV-vis spectra (387/505 nm for L-H2PO4 -, 387/530 nm for L-AcOand 387/575 nm for L-Fcomplex) or via different colour changes (light coral for L-H2PO4 -, light pink for L-AcOand violet for the L-Fcomplex). Additionally, given the presence of NH and OH groups in probe L, which can be protonated and deprotonated, probe L further exhibited an excellent pH response over a wide pH range (pH 3 to pH 12).