The synthesis of a novel sugar coated poly(p-phenyleneethynylene) (PPE) via Pd-catalyzed Sonogashira reaction and its subsequent interaction with concanavalin A (Con A) are described. UV–Vis and fluorescence spectra were employed to investigate the response of the polymer toward various concentrations of Con A. The polymer showed a green fluorescence which can be quenched by Con A due to complex formation at ground state. The protocols reported herein provide intermediate products that can be converted into useful sensing elements from cheap and commercially available starting materials, in a few number of steps.