In this contribution, we have synthesized series of 1-ethyl-3, 5-bis [2-(aryl) ethenyl]-1H- indole based derivatives with different functional groups using Wadsworth–Emmons coupling. The sensing ability of the receptors has been studied for halides like tetrabutylammonium fluoride, chloride, bromide, iodide and bisulphate by UV–vis spectroscopy methods. In THF solution, compound A–E exhibits excellent selectivity with ...