FIELD: chemistry. SUBSTANCE: invention relates to a luminescent organic compound <i>N</i>-([1,1'-biphenyl]-3-yl)-4-phenyl-1-(pyridine-2-yl)-6,7-dihydro-5<i>H</i>-cyclopenta[c]pyridine-3-amine by the formula 1, constituting a monomolecular optical sensor for detecting nitroaromatic explosives such as 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) and picric acid (PA). Invention can be used in security systems in addition to service dogs for preventing terrorist acts, as a means of detecting explosives contained in the sensor material of fluorescent explosive detectors, in households and in agriculture. EFFECT: lower intensity of emission caused by photoexcitation when in contact with nitroaromatic explosives. 1 cl, 3 dwg, 2 tbl.