A simple propargylamide-fuctionalized chemodosimeter was prepared for the ratiometric fluorescence detection of mercuric ions in HEPES buffer. The chemodosimeter exhibited $Hg^{2+}$-induced propargyl amide-tooxazole transformation, with a significant accompanying ratiometric change in fluorescence. It afforded high selectivity for mercuric ion detection without any competitive inhibition by common alkali, alkaline earth, or other transition metal ions. The probe showed a $17{ imes}10^{-6}M$ detection limit for $Hg^{2+}$ ions and potential applicability for detecting aqueous $Hg^{2+}$ ions.