The present work describes the synthesis of new terpyridine (tpy) molecules possessing functionalized long alkyl chains at 4΄-position associated with a planar structure with considerable delocalization. Out of the three synthesized tpy derivatives (L1-L3), L2 containing ester group at the end of the alkyl chain emerged as an excellent probe for the selective detection of Zn2+. The detection of Zn2+ ions under biological conditions was achieved by the introduction of distinct aliphatic undecanoic ester chain at the 4'-position of the core terpyridine ring, thereby making it more lipophilic. The increased lipophilicity aids in the probe performance by enabling precise Zn²⁺ detection and bioimaging. The bioimaging capability of the probe L2 for Zn2+ ions was demonstrated in ICG cell lines. RGB method was integrated into the detection process, making it portable and low-cost. The LODs were determined to be 106 and 115 nM, respectively, for solution-phase and test paper strips. The probe L2 was successfully utilized to determine Zn2+ levels in pharmaceutical and water samples.

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