The invention discloses an o-nitrophenyl azo salicylaldehyde phenoxy acetyl hydrazone compound. According to the o-nitrophenyl azo salicylaldehyde phenoxy acetyl hydrazone compound, the compound is prepared through taking anhydrous ethanol as a solvent, glacial acetic acid as a catalyst and o-nitrophenyl azo salicylaldehyde and phenoxy acethydrazide as reaction substrates, carrying out reflux reaction until precipitates are produced, standing, and carrying out suction filtration and recrystallization; the role of the compound in recognition on negative ions, such as F<->, Cl<->, Br<->, I<->, CH3COO<->, H2PO4<->, HSO4<->, ClO4<-> and CN<->, is inspected through ultraviolet-visible absorption spectrum, colorimetric recognition and <1>HNMR titration; and shown by results, the compound can carry out high-selectivity colorimetric recognition on CN<-> in a DMSO (Dimethyl Sulfoxide) water-bearing system. CN<-> detection test paper manufactured based on a receptor, namely the compound, can be used for detecting cyanogens ions conveniently and fast. Thus, receptors of the type have a certain potential application value in the colorimetric detection on CN<-> in water-bearing systems.