A simple and selective colorimetric chemosensor 1 was reported for the sequential detection of Cu 2+ , cysteine (Cys) and histidine (His) in aqueous solution. The presence of Cu 2+ led to a distinct naked-eye color change from pale yellow to orange. Also, the receptor enabled analysis of Cu 2+ ions with a sensitivity limit of 0.37 mM, which is far below the WHO acceptable limit (31.5 mM) in drinking water. 1 could be also used as a practical, visible colorimetric test strip for Cu 2+ (down to 10 mM) in aqueous media. Moreover, the resulting 1-Cu 2+ complex sensed cysteine and histidine with an absorption change via UV-visible or a naked-eye color change, although His and Cys were indistinguishable with the method proposed herein.