Synthesis of Flavin–Calix[4]arene Conjugate Derivatives

The synthesis of two new flavin substituted calix[4]arene derivatives, 9 and 10 , is described. The first flavin substituted calix[4]arene derivative 9 was synthesized by the reaction of 3‐methylalloxazine ( 5 ) with 25,27‐bis(3‐bromopropoxy)‐26,28‐dihydroxy‐5,11,17,23‐tetra(tert‐butyl)calix[4]arene ( 4 ) in high yield (92%). The other derivative 10 was prepared from 3‐methylalloxazine‐1‐acetic acid ( 7 ) and 25,27‐bis(3‐cyanopropoxy)calix[4]arene ( 3 ). All new compounds were characterized by a combination of FT‐IR and ¹H‐NMR spectroscopy, and elemental‐analysis techniques.     

Synthesis of a Tweezer—like Bis（Phenylthiapropoxy）calix[4]—arene as a Cation／π Enhanced Sensor for Ion—Selective Electrodes

Two novel 25,27-dihydroxy-26,28-bis(3-phenylthiapropxy)-calix[4]arene(3) and 25,27-dihydroxy-26,28-bis(3-phenylthiapropoxy)-5,11,17,23-tetra-tert-butylcalix[4] arene (4) were synthesized for the evaluation of their ion-selectivity in ion-selective electrodes(ISEs).ISEs based on 3 and 4 as neutral ionophores were prepared,and their selectivity coefficients for Ag^ (lg KAg,M^pot)were investigated against other alkali metal,alkaline-earth metal,aluminum,thallium(Ⅰ）,Lead and some transition metal ions using the separate solution method (SSM).These ISEs showed excellent Ag^ seletivity over most of the interfering cations examined,except for Hg^2 and Fe^2 having relative smaller interference(lg KAg,M^pot≤-2.1).     

下缘芳香取代结构对杯[4]芳烃Langmuir膜的影响

The Langmuir monolayer properties of lower rim aromatically substituted calix[4]arenes, 5,11,17,23-tetra-tert-butyl-25,27-bis（2-naphth-1＇-ylacetylaminoethoxy）-26,28-dihydroxylcalix[4]arene （BNAEC）, 5,11,17,23-tetra-tert- butyl-25,27-bis（2-benzoylamino ethoxy）-26,28-dihydroxylcalix[4]arene （BBAEC） and 5,11,17,23-tetra-tert-butyl- 25,27-bis（2-cinnamoylaminoethoxy）-26,28-dihydroxylcalix[4]arene （BCAEC）, have been studied. Film balance measurements and Brewster angle microscopy （BAM） observation demonstrate that all the compounds can form Langmuir monolayers with different molecular limiting areas. BNAEC or BBAEC monolayer is able to form condensed domains during compression, while BCAEC monolayer can never form condensed domain. BNAEC monolayer is more readily to form condensed domain than BBAEC monolayer. Moreover, BNAEC monolayer can form the total condensed phase during compression even when T=28℃, while BBAEC monolayer can not when T 〉 10 ℃. The results imply that different lower rim aromatic substitutions affect essentially the intermolecular interaction and molecular packing in the monolayer at air/water interface.     

一对含有苯甲醛基修饰的杯芳烃异构体的晶体结构以及它们与铽离子配位的光物理性质

Two calix[4]arene isomers with benzaldehyde moieties, i.e., 5,11,17,23-tetra-tert-butyl-25,27-bis[2-(o-formyl-phenoxy)ethoxy]-26,28-dihydroxycalix[4]arene (3) and 5,11,17,23-tetra-tert-butyl-25,27-bis[2-(p-formylphenoxy)-ethoxy]-26,28-dihydroxycalix[4]arene (4), were synthesized according to a newly designed route in high yields, and their crystal structures have been determined by X-ray crystallographic study. The photophysical behavior on complexation of calix[4]arene derivatives 3 and 4 with terbium(Ⅲ) nitrate was investigated in anhydrous acetonitrile at 25℃ by UV-Vis and fluorescence spectroscopies. The crystallographic structure of 3 indicated that the eight oxygen atoms formed a preorganized ionophoric cavity due to intramolecular π-π stacking, which could encapsulate lanthanide ions tightly. In sharp contrast, the compound 4 formed a linear array by intermolecular π-π stacking, hence the oxygen atoms of pendant arms could not coordinate with metal ions, giving a poor binding ability to Tb^3 . The absorption spectra of 3 with Tb^3 showed clearly a new broad intense absorption at 385nm. Interestingly, the narrow emission line spectrum has also been observed for compound 3 with Tb^3 , and the results obtained were discussed from the viewpoint of energy transfer mechanism between host structures and the properties of lanthanide ions.     

Synthesis and Rh(I)‐catalyzed polymerization of 1,3‐diphenylyne–calix[4]arene compounds: Novel conjugated,calixarene‐based polymers

The synthesis of two 1,3‐bis(4‐ethynylbenzyloxy)calix[4]arenes, 5,11,17,23‐tetrakis(1,1‐dimethylethyl)‐25,27‐bis(4‐ethynylbenzyloxy)‐26,28‐dihydroxycalix[4]arene ( 1 ) and 25,27‐bis(4‐ethynylbenzyloxy)‐26,28‐dihydroxycalix[4]arene ( 2 ), was accomplished through Sonogashira coupling of appropriate calixarene derivatives. Methods for the polymerization of these bifunctional building blocks with Rh(I) as a catalyst, leading ultimately to conjugated polymers having calix[4]arene units incorporated into the main chain, were explored. Calixarenes 1 and 2 were efficiently polymerized with rhodium‐based initiators and afforded the conjugated polymers poly{5,11,17,23‐tetrakis(1,1‐dimethylethyl)‐25,27‐bis(4‐ethynylbenzyloxy)‐26,28‐dihydroxycalix[4]arene} ( poly 1 ) and poly{25,27‐bis(4‐ethynylbenzyloxy)‐26,28‐dihydroxycalix[4]arene}. Depending on the conditions, high conversions and good yields were obtained. The effects of adding cocatalysts (NHEt₂ and/or PPh₃) were studied in connection with the number‐average molecular weight and the molecular weight distribution of the resultant polymer ( poly 1 ) and tentatively correlated with the formation of low‐molecular‐weight materials. A catalytic system containing triphenylphosphine as the sole additive ([Rh(nbd)Cl]₂; [Rh]/[PPh₃] = 0.5) proved to be the best for the polymerization of p‐tert‐butylcalixarene compound 1 . Linear polymers having high number‐average molecular weights (up to 1.1 × 10⁵ g mol^?1) with low polydispersities were produced under these conditions. For debutylated homologue 2 , its polymerization was best carried out in the absence of any added cocatalyst. A cyclopolymerization route, comprising the intramolecular ring closing of the calix[4]arene pendant ethynyl groups followed by an intermolecular propagation step, is advanced to explain the results. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 44: 7054–7070, 2006     

Alkali Metal Complexation. Binding Properties of cone and partial-cone Calix[4]arenes Bearing a Mixed (O 2 , O 2 ') Donor Set (O = Phosphine Oxide; O ' = Amide or Ester)

The stability constants of alkali metal complexes obtained from the followingO-substituted calix[4]arenes were determined by UV/Vis spectroscopy inmethanol at 20°C: 5,11,17,23-tetra-tert-butyl-25,27-bis(diethylcarbamoylmethoxy)-26,28-bis(diphenylphosphinoylmethoxy)calix[4]arene(cone-1), 25,27-syn-26,28-anti-5,11,17,23-tetra-tert-butyl-25,27-bis(diethylcarbamoylmethoxy)-26,28-bis(diphenylphosphinoylmethoxy)calix[4]arene (paco-1),5,11,17,23-tetra-tert-butyl-25,27-diethoxycarbonylmethoxy-26,28-bis(diphenylphosphinoylmethoxy)calix[4]arene(cone-2) and25,27-syn-26,28-anti-5,11,17,23-tetra-tert-butyl-25,27-diethoxycarbonylmethoxy-26,28-bis(diphenylphosphinoylmethoxy)calix[4]arene(paco-2). All ligands form 1:1 complexes with alkali metal cations. The amide-containing calixarenes were found to be more efficient for alkali metalcomplexation than those bearing ester substituents. While sodium ions are selectivelycomplexed by the two mixed amide-(phosphine oxide) calixarenes, the twoester-containing isomers cone-2 and paco-2 turned out to be selective towards potassium and rubidium ions, respectively. With allfour ligands the lowest stability constants were found for the lithium andcesium ions.     

含氮手性杯[4]芳烃对羧酸的手性识别

Chiral nitrogen-containing calix[4]arene was easily synthesized by the reaction of 25,27-di（2-bromoethoxy）- 26,28-dihydroxy-5,11,17,23-tetrakis（t-butyl）calix[4]arene with S-（-）-1-phenylethylamine in excellent yield, and showed good ability to recognize the enantiomers of mandelic acid and 2,3-dibenzoyltartaric acid. This finding has potential application to assay and separation of enantiomers of the carboxylic acids.     

Liquid chromatographic behavior of two alanine‐substituted calix[4]arene‐bonded silica gel stationary phases

Two new kinds of alanine‐substituted calix[4]arene stationary phases of 5,11,17,23‐p‐tert‐butyl‐25,27‐bis(l ‐alanine‐methylester‐N‐carbonyl‐methoxy)‐26,28‐dihyroxycalix[4]arene‐bonded silica gel stationary phase (BABS4) and 5, 11, 17, 23‐p‐tert‐butyl‐25,26,27,28‐tetra(l ‐alanine‐methylester‐N‐carbonyl‐methoxy)‐calix[4]arene‐bonded silica gel stationary phase (TABS4) were prepared and characterized in the present study. They were compared with each other and investigated in terms of their chromatographic performance by using polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, disubstituted benzene isomers, and mono‐substituted benzenes as solute probes. The results indicated that both BABS4 and TABS4 exhibited multiple interactions with analytes. In addition, the commonly used Tanaka characterization protocol for the evaluation of commercially available stationary phases was applied to evaluate the properties of these two new functionalized calixarene stationary phases. The Tanaka test results were compared with Zorbax Eclipse XDB C₁₈ and Kromasil phenyl columns, respectively. BABS4 has stronger hydrogen‐bonding capacity and ion‐exchange capacity than TABS4, and features weaker hydrophobicity and hydrophobic selectivity. Both of them behave similarly in stereoselectivity. Both BABS4 and TABS4 are weaker than C₁₈ and phenyl stationary phases in hydrophobicity and hydrophobic selectivity.     

Synthesis and Structure of Novel Double Flexible Spacer Bridged Biscalix[4]arenes

25, 25′, 27, 27′‐Bis(1,3‐dioxypropane)‐bis(5, 11, 17, 23‐tetra‐tert‐butylcalix[4]arene‐26,28‐diol) (4) and 25, 25′, 27, 27′‐bis(1, 4‐dioxybutane)‐bis (5, 11, 17, 23‐tetra‐tert‐butylcalix‐[4]arene‐26, 28‐diol) (5) were synthesized by the reaction of p‐tert‐butylcalix[4]arene (1) with preorganized 25, 27‐bis(3‐bromoproxyl)calix[4]arene‐26, 27‐diol (2) and 25, 27‐bis(3‐bromobutoxyl)calix[4]arene‐26, 27‐diol (3) in the presence of K₂CO₃ and KI. Compounds 4 and 5 were characterized with X‐ray analysis and the selectivity of 4 and 5 toward K⁺ over other alkali metal ions, alkaline metal ions as well as NH₄⁺ were investigated with an ion‐selective electrode.     

Oligomeric calix[4]arene‐thiacrown ether for toxic heavy metals

A new oligomeric calix[4]arene‐thiacrown‐4 ( 5 ) was synthesized via a condensation reaction of 5,11,17,23‐tetra‐tert‐butyl‐25,27‐bis‐(4‐aminobenzyloxy)‐calix[4]arene‐thiacrown‐4 ( 4 ) with adipoyl dichloride. In this oligomerization reaction only five/six calix[4]arene‐thiacrown‐4 units were linked in the oligomeric chain. The complexation studies of 5 were made with liquid–liquid‐ extraction and solid–liquid‐sorption procedures. For comparison, the extraction efficiencies of monomers 1 , 3 , and 4 to selected transition metals are reported. The selectivity of monomers 3 and 4 toward Cu²⁺, Hg²⁺, and Pb²⁺ was lost after oligomerization in the two‐phase extraction systems. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 42: 186–193, 2004     

Synthesis of novel p-tert-butyl-calix[4]arene derivatives and their cation binding ability: chromogenic effect upon side arms binding

A series of novel double-armed calix[4]arene derivatives, i.e. 5,11,17,23-tetra-tert-butyl -25,27-bis[2-[(2-hydroxy-5-(4-nitroazo)benzylidene)amino]ethoxy]-26,28-dihydroxy-calix[4]-arene (4), 5,11,17,23-tetra-tert-butyl-25,27-bis[2-[(2-hydroxy-5-(2-nitroazo)benzylidene) amino]ethoxy]-26,28-dihydroxycalix[4]arene (5), 5,11,17,23-tetra-tert-butyl-25,27-bis[2-[(2-hydroxy-5-(4-chloroazo)benzylidene)amino]ethoxy]-26,28-dihydroxycalix[4]arene (6), have been synthesized as an selective chromoionophore for Na⁺. The complexation behavior of ligands 4-6 with alkali metal ions Na⁺, K⁺, Rb⁺and Cs⁺ has been evaluated by using UV-Vis spectrometry in CH₃CN-H₂O (99:1/V:V) solution at 25°C. The UV-Vis spectra show that the complexation of 4-6 with Na⁺exhibits obvious bathochromic shifts (λ_max 379→480 nm) and there is a unique color change in the solution from yellow to red upon complexation. The binding constants for Na⁺ are higher than that of other alkali metal ions, giving the highest cation selectivity up to 7 for Na⁺/K⁺. The binding ability and photophysical behavior of alkali cations by calix[4]arene derivatives 4-6 are discussed from the point of view of substituted effects at the lower rim of parent calix[4]arene and size-fit concept between host calix[4]arenes and guest cations.     

Two related lithium calixarene complexes, [p‐tert‐butylcalix[4]arene(OMe)(OH)2(OLi)]2·4MeCN and {p‐tert‐butylcalix[4]arene(OH)2(OLi)[OLi(NCMe)2]}2·8MeCN,determined using synchrotron radiation

The crystal structures of acetonitrile solvates of two related lithium calixarene complexes have been determined by low‐temperature single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction using synchrotron radiation. Bis(μ‐5,11,17,23‐tetra‐tert‐butyl‐26,28‐dihydroxy‐25‐methoxy‐27‐oxidocalix[4]arene)dilithium(I) acetonitrile tetrasolvate, [Li₂(C₄₅H₅₇O₄)₂]·4C₂H₃N or [p‐tert‐butylcalix[4]arene(OMe)(OH)₂(OLi)]₂·4MeCN, (I), crystallizes with the complex across a centre of symmetry and with four molecules of unbound acetonitrile of crystallization per complex. Tetraacetonitrilebis(μ‐5,11,17,23‐tetra‐tert‐butyl‐26,28‐dihydroxy‐25,27‐dioxidocalix[4]arene)tetralithium(I) acetonitrile octasolvate, [Li₄(C₄₄H₅₄O₄)₂(C₂H₃N)₄]·8C₂H₃N or {p‐tert‐butylcalix[4]arene(OH)₂(OLi)[OLi(NCMe)₂]}₂·8MeCN, (II), also crystallizes with the complex lying across a centre of symmetry and contains eight molecules of unbound acetonitrile per complex plus four more directly bound to two of the lithium ions, two on each ion. The cores of both complexes are partially supported by O—H...O hydrogen bonds. The methoxy methyl groups in (I) prevent the binding of any more than two Li⁺ ions, while the corresponding two O‐atom sites in (II) bind an extra Li⁺ ion each, making four in total. The calixarene cone adopts an undistorted cone conformation in (I), but an elliptical one in (II).     

Synthesis and Characterization of Partially Substituted at Lower Rim Phosphorus Containing Calix(4)arenes

The synthesis and characterization of several new phosphorus-containing partially lower rim substituted derivatives of 5,11,17,23-tetra(t-butyl) calix(4)arene (I) and 5,11,17,23-tetra(t-octyl)calix(4)arene (II), namely 5,11,17,23-tetra(t-butyl)-25,27-dihydroxy-26,28-bis(diphenylphosphinoyl-oxy) calix(4)arene (IV); 5,11,17,23-tetra(t-butyl)-25-hydroxy-26,27,28-tris(tetramethyldiamido-phosphinoyl-oxy) calix(4)arene (Vb); 5,11,17,23-tetra(t-butyl)-25,27-dihydroxy-26,28-bis(dimethyl-phosphinoyl-methoxy) calix(4)arene (VI); 5,11,17,23-tetra (t-octyl)-25,27-dihydroxy-26,28-bis(dimethyl-phosphinoyl-methoxy) calix(4)arene (VII) are reported. The structure of the synthesized calix(4)arene derivatives are identified and confirmed by elemental analysis, IR, ¹H, ¹³C, ³¹P{¹H} NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry as and X-ray crystallographic analysis of 5,11,17,23-tetra(t-butyl)-25,27-dihydroxy-26,28-bis(dimethyl-phosphinoyl-methoxy) calix(4)arene VI. According to the NMR spectra, all calix(4)arenes are in cone conformation.     

Preparation and Crystal Structure of the Sodium Iodide Complex of 5,11,17,23-tetra(tert-butyl)-25,27-di(ethoxymethoxy)-26,28-(diethylacetamido) Calix[4]arene in the Cone Conformation

The direct preparation of the sodium complex of 5,11,17,23-tetra(tert-butyl)-25,27-di(ethoxymethoxy)-26,28-(diethylacetamido) calix[4]arene 1.NaI is reported. The crystal structure of 1.NaI shows the calix unit to be in a cone conformation with the sodium located in the cavity delineated by the oxygen atoms.     

Synthesis of a tweezer-like bis(arylthiaalkoxy)calix[4]arene as a cation sensor for ion-selective electrodes: an investigation of the influence of neighboring halogen atoms on cation selectivity

Two novel tweezer-like 25,27-dihydroxy-26,28-bis(phenylthiaethoxy)calix[4]arenes 6 and 7 were synthesized by the reaction of 25,27-dihydroxy-26,28-bis(bromoethoxy)calix[4]arenes 3 and 4 for the evaluation of their ion-selectivity in ion-selective electrodes (ISEs). X-ray structural analysis indicated that calix[4]arene 7 is in an interesting infinite linear aggregate via self-inclusion. For investigation of the influences of substitutes on the behavior of the ISEs, the halogen substituted aryl analogues of 25,27-dihydroxy-26,28-bis(arylthiaethoxy)calix[4]arenes 8-12 were also synthesized and their ISE performances were evaluated under the same conditions. ISEs based on 6-12 as neutral ionophores were prepared, and their selectivity coefficients for Ag+ (log KAg,M(pot)) were investigated against other alkali metal, alkaline-earth metal, lead, ammonium ions and some transition metal ions using the fixed interference method (FIM). These ISEs showed excellent Ag+ selectivity over most of the interfering cations examined, except for Hg2+ having relative smaller interference (log KAg,Hg(pot) < or = 2.1). The 19F NMR spectra of 9 and 9.AgClO4 were recorded for investigation the fluorine environments in the complex. The 19F NMR spectra strongly suggested that the fluorine atoms on ionophore 9 participated in ligation with silver cation.     

Electrochemical Properties of Electrode Modified with Langmuir‐Blodgett Film of p‐tert‐Butylcalix[4]arene Derivatives and Its Application in Determining of Silver

A new type of voltammetric sensor, Langmuir‐Blodgett (LB) film of 5,11,17,23‐tetra‐tert‐butyl‐25,27‐di(3‐thiadiazole‐propanoxy)‐26,28‐dihydroxycalix[4]arene modified glassy carbon electrode (LB_TZCA–GCE), was prepared. The electrochemical properties of LB_TZCA–GCE were researched in detail and its recognizing mechanism for silver ion in aqueous solution was discussed. Using this voltammetric sensor, a new stripping voltammetric method for determining of Ag⁺ was erected with good sensitivity, selectivity, reproducibility and recovery. The detection limit was 8×10^?9 M at accumulation time of 180 s. By this method, real samples (lake water, tap water and synthesis sample) were analyzed and the results obtained were well satisfactory.     

Synthesis of Calix[4]arene Derivatives Containing a Nucleobase and their Interaction with Complementary Nucleosides at the Air–Water Interface

Amphiphilic calix[4]arene derivatives with a nucleobase on the lower rim have been synthesized in good yields by the condensation of calix[4]arenediamine {5,11,17,23-tetra-tert-butyl-25,27-bis(2-aminoethoxy)-26,28-dihydroxycalix[4]arene} with uracilo-N-acetic acid, thymino-N-acetic acid and adenino-N-propionic acid in the presence of CDI in DMF. Monolayers of the amphiphilic calix[4]arene-nucleobase derivatives on the surface of pure water, the aqueous subphases containing complementary nucleosides, were studied by film balance measurement and relaxation experiments. LB films deposited from all subphases were investigated by UV spectra and FT-IR spectroscopy. All the results indicate that the interaction between the nucleobases in the headgroup of amphiphilic p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene derivatives and the complementary nucleosides in the subphase takes place through multiple hydrogen bonding and the nucleosides can be transferred to solid substrates along with their monolayers.     

Synthesis of di-substituted calix[4]arene-based receptors for extraction of chromate and arsenate anions

The article describes the synthesis of a family of novel calix[4]arene ionophores, 25,27-bis-(2-aminomethylpyridine-propoxy)-26,28-dihydroxycalix[4]arene (5a), 25,27-bis-(3-aminomethylpyridine-propoxy)-26,28-dihydroxycalix[4]arene (5b) and two chromogenic calix[4]arenes, 5,17-dinitro-25,27-bis-(2-aminomethylpyridine-propoxy)-26,28-dihydroxycalix[4]arene (5c), 5,17-dinitro-25,27-bis-(3-aminomethylpyridine-propoxy)-26,28-dihydroxycalix[4]arene (5d) bearing pyridinium units. In the synthesis, the upper and lower rims of p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene were modified in order to acquire binding sites for the recognition of arsenate and dichromate anions. It has been observed that protonated alkylammonium forms of the ionophores showed high affinity toward dichromate and arsenate anions.     

Molecular Design of Calixarene,Part 4, Synthesis of Novel Double‐Armed p‐(tert‐Butyl)calix[4]arene‐Derived Amides and Their Lead(II)(Pb2+)‐Selective‐Electrode Properties

A series of novel double‐armed p‐(tert‐butyl)calix[4]arenes, carrying benzoylamido, 4‐nitrobenzoylamido, isonicotinamido, α‐naphthamido, acetamido, propionamido, or butyramido groups (see 2 – 8 , resp.) were synthesized in 80 – 86% yield by the reaction of the lower‐rim 1,3‐bis(aminoethoxy)‐substituted calix[4]arenediol 1 with the corresponding acylating agents. Their structures were established by elemental analysis, mass, IR, UV, and ¹H‐NMR spectroscopy. Ion‐selective electrodes (ISEs) for Pb²⁺, carrying 2 – 8 in a PVC membrane as neutral ionophore, were prepared, and their selectivity coefficients for Pb²⁺ (K) were determined against other heavy‐metal ions, alkali and alkaline earth metal ions, and ammonium ions by means of the separate‐solution method. The results obtained indicated that the electrodes based on the calix[4]arene‐derived amides 2 – 8 as the neutral ionophores were all Pb²⁺ selective and exhibited almost theoretical Nernstian slopes, except for 3 and 4 . Typically, the Pb²⁺‐selective electrode based on 6 – 8 exhibited almost Nernstian slopes for Pb²⁺ over a relatively wide concentration range and had a fast response time as well as a long lifetime, although the silver ion interfered strongly. These ISEs based on 6 – 8 showed a relatively good Pb²⁺ selectivity against most of the interfering cations examined, except for Ag⁺. The effect of the side‐arm functions of calix[4]arene derivatives 2 – 8 on the Nernstian slopes and on the selectivity coefficients for Pb²⁺ obtained with the Pb²⁺ ISEs based on 2 – 8 is discussed.     

Determination of the ammonium ion by voltammetry at the liquid-liquid interface using calixarenes as neutral carriers

The transfer of alkali and alkaline earth metal ions and ammonium ions facilitated by the calixarenes 5,11,17,23-tetra(tert-butyl)-26,28-dihydroxycalix[4]-25,27-crown-5-ether, 5,11,17,23-tetra(tert-butyl)-26,28-di(ethoxycarbonylmethoxy)calix[4]-25,27-crown-5-ether, and 5,11,17,23-tetra(tert-butyl)-25,26,27,28-tetra(ethoxycarbonylmethoxy)-calix[4]arene was studied by voltammetry at the interface between two immiscible electrolyte solutions. The formal energies, transfer potentials, stoichiometry, and stability constants of the complexes were determined. The optimum conditions for determining the ammonium ion by voltammetry at the liquid-liquid interface were selected on the basis of these studies (the detection limit was 3.5 × 10^?6 M). The ammonium ion determination showed selectivity relative to the sodium ion.