Novel indole- and amide-based tripodal anion receptors (1) have been synthesized. The tripodal receptors (1) recognized HSO₄^- in preference to other anions (Cl^-, Br^-, I^-, NO₃^-) through a 1:1 binding stoichiometry. This selectivity is rationalized by a C₃-symmetry cone-like topology of tripodal receptor, which can form the effective hydrogen bonding in the complex.