We report on the synthesis of a novel perylene monoimide derivative that shows high response and selectivity for zinc ion detection. The complexation of Zn(2+) by the dye is followed by FD-MS, (1)H NMR, UV-vis spectroscopy, and isothermal titration calorimetry. Quantum chemical calculations are performed to gain further insight into the electronic processes responsible for the spectroscopic changes observed upon complexation. Finally, the perylene dye is incorporated in a sol-gel silica layer coated on optical fibers that are then used for Zn(2+) detection in aqueous solution.