A new tripodal sensor 1 has been designed and synthesized. The cavity of the tripod selectively recognizes Cl⁻ and H₂PO₄⁻ over a series of other anions in CH₃CN containing 0.01% DMSO by exhibiting a significant change in emission. Between H₂PO₄⁻ and Cl⁻ ions, H₂PO₄⁻ is distinguished by 1 through a ratiometric change in emission. In comparison, the indole-based tripod 2 did not show any binding-selectivity with the same anions. Compound 1, furthermore, selectivity recognizes phosphate based biomolecule ATP over ADP and AMP in semi aqueous solvent (CH₃CN containing 0.01% DMSO : H₂O, 1 : 1, v/v) at pH 7.3. The tripod 1 is cell permeable and detects ATP by showing quenching of emission.