The characteristics as a chemosensor of the compound 3-methyl-6, 8-di (2-pyridyl)-[1, 2, 3] triazolo [5', 1': 6, 1] pyrido [2, 3-d] pyrimidine (1) have been analyzed. Interaction with Cu2+ produces a quenching of the fluorescence, while interaction with Zn2+ leads to a quenching of the fluorescence followed by a bathochromic shift. The crystal structure of the [Zn (1)(H2O) 3](ClO4) 2]⊙ H2O complex shows the coordination of Zn2+ through the terpyridine moiety ...