We are reporting the detailed synthesis and characterization of segmented cyanostyryl derivative that contains cyano-modified distyrylbenzene segments covalently linked with m-pyridyl group and flexible methylene units. The step growth polymerization via Knoevenagel reaction was employed to prepare the material. Though the material exhibited oligomeric molecular weight of 2940 (M-w), transparent yellow film was obtained via spin coating. Optical response from the material upon addition of metal ion was induced both in solution and in film state in terms of absorption and fluorescence emission with high efficiency. Relatively low metal binding constant with metal cation was observed compared to that of typical low molecular weight chemosensors, which might be helpful in use as a reversible sensory material. The new material offers promise as optical sensory one for Fe3+ ion by means of transducing optical response. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.