Four new naphthyl “capped” 1,2,3-triazole-linked receptors 6a–d have been synthesized and characterized. Their binding properties towards different metal ions have been studied by ¹H NMR and fluorescence spectroscopy and the association constants were analysed by a non-linear global fit method. The fluorescent spectral changes show that 6a–d are sensitive and selective towards Fe³⁺ and Hg²⁺ ions. DFT calculations of the binding modes of 6a–d with these metal ions are also presented.