Colorimetric, fluorometric, and electrochemical sensing of cyanide ion in aqueous media using merocyanine-ferrocene conjugate

•A merocyanine-ferrocene conjugate for the detection of anions was successfully prepared.•The probe successfully detected the cyanide ion and produced an optical signal.•As expected, the probe displayed an electrochemical signal in presence of cyanide ion.•The probe can be used for the detection of cyanide ions using multiple techniques.•The electrochemical analysis of the complex produced a LOD value better than other techniques.