A new fluorescence receptor 2-(diethylamino)-N-(quinolin-8-yl) acetamide (L) was synthesized by simple reaction condition. The ligand HL is highly selective and sensitive towards Zn2+ ions over other tested metal ions. Upon interaction HL with Zn2+, the receptor HL showed a distinct fluorescence enhancement at 496 nm due to chelation enhanced fluorescence (CHEF) leading to visible fluorescence color change from blue to cyan. Subsequently, an in-situ generated L-Zn2+ when interacted with various anions, only with H2PO4− showed fluorescence quenching while other ions did not respond. Accordingly, the receptor HL was developed for the highly selective determination of Zn2+ and H2PO4− with the lowest detection limit (LOD) of 8 nM and 55 nM respectively. The binding mechanism of HL with Zn2+ and L-Zn2+ with H2PO4− were studied by both experimental and theoretical studies. The off-on-off sequential of HL with Zn2+ and H2PO4− were successfully employed for the INHIBIT logic gate response and cellulose assisted test strips proved, the practical application for qualitative analysis of Zn2+ and H2PO4− ions. Finally, the receptor HL was applied for the detection of Zn2+ in different water and pharmaceutical samples. © 2019 Elsevier B.V.