A novel chemosensor based on the Zn2+–isonicotinohydrazide complex ‘(ZnL)’ was developed for the selective detection of cyanide (CN−) over other tested anions, such as HSO4−, F−, Cl−, Br−, I−, NO3−, PO43−, SO42−, SCN−, S2−, CH3COO− and H2PO4− in 100% aqueous medium.