A novel fluorescence chemosensor based on 2,6-dicarbonylpyridine was designed and synthesized and its photophysical properties were characterized. Upon coordination of Co(2+) by the central 2,6-dicarbonylpyridinyl functional group, the chemosensor 2,6-bis(4-diphenylamino-styrylcarbonyl)pyridine (PhPy) showed nearly complete fluorescence quenching, while no fluorescence response was seen towards other competing cations. The experimental results show the chemosensor is highly selective and sensitive towards Co(2+) in the presence of competing ions, even in the ppb range. Job plot analysis was carried out and the results suggested that the binding of PhPy and Co(2+) was probably a 2 : 1 stoichiometry.