A bifunctional fluorescent sensor based-on Pillar[5]arene for efficient detection of MnO4− as an oxidant and Hg2+ ion in aqueous media: Bio-imaging in living cells

•The bifunctional fluorescent macrocycle presents to a dual effect recognizing MnO4- and Hg2+ ions.•Low detection limits of MnO4- and Hg2+ such as 1.15 × 10-7 and 8.12 × 10-7 M, respectively.•Bodipy-P[5]arene can detect the target ions in acidic and basic mediums.•It a successful tool for fluorescently imaging Hg2+ and MnO4- ions within living HeLa cells.