Solid supported synthesis of unsymmetrical bi-functionalized ferrocenyl-rhodaminyl molecular system to explore phosgene, heavy metal ion sensing, and cell imaging properties

•Redmud supported solid state synthesis of unsymmetrical bi-functionalized ferrocenyl hydrazone enone molecular compounds.•Investigation of phosgene and metal ion sensing properties using multi-probe spectroscopic and electrochemical methods.•Intracellular metal recognition and imaging study for their potential in bioimaging of heavy metal ions.