<p>This research investigates the development and sensing characteristics of innovative conjugated azo dye derivative obtained from dicyanoisophorones. This compound represents push–pull molecules with a donor-π-acceptor (D-π-A) structure. In our approach, we utilized Resorcinol as an electron-donating component, while strategically placing the cyano acceptor and diazo groups as donor units. The synthesized compound demonstrated significant solvatochromism, with their emission spectra ranging from green to red, indicating high responsiveness to environmental polarity. Furthermore, the addition of a dicyanovinyl group to a compound resulted in a highly sensitive colorimetric and fluorescent detector for cyanide ions, which induced a shift towards shorter wavelengths in the emission spectrum.</p> Graphical Abstract <p></p>