Dispersive Liquid‐Liquid Microextraction of Cu(II) Using a Novel Dioxime for Its Highly Sensitive Determination by Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectrometry

A dispersive liquid‐liquid microextraction (DLLME) technique was proposed for the enrichment and graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometric (GFAAS) determination of Cu²⁺ in water samples. In this method a mixture of 480 μL acetone (disperser solvent) containing 26 μg S,S‐bis(2‐aminobenzyl)‐dithioglyoxime (BAT) ligand and 20 μL carbon tetrachloride (extraction solvent) was rapidly injected by a syringe into 5 mL aqueous sample containing copper ions (analyte). Thereby, a cloudy solution formed. After centrifugation, the fine droplets containing the extracted copper complex were sedimented at the bottom of the conical test tube. This phase was collected by a microsyring and after dilution by methanol, 20 μL of it was injected into the graphite tube of the instrument for analysis. Effects of some parameters on the extraction, such as extraction and disperser solvent type and volume, extraction time, salt concentration, pH and concentration of the chelating agent were optimized. The response surface method was used for optimization of the effective parameters on the extraction recovery. Under these conditions, an enrichment factor of 312 was obtained. The calibration graph was linear in the rage of 2–50 μ L⁻¹ Cu²⁺ with a detection limit of 0.03 μg L⁻¹ and a relative standard deviation (RSD) for five replicate measurements of 3.4% at 20 μg L⁻¹ Cu²⁺. The method was successfully applied to the determination of Cu²⁺ in some spring water samples.     

Application of mercapto‐silica polymerized high internal phase emulsions for the solid‐phase extraction and preconcentration of trace lead(II)

A new class of solid‐phase extraction column prepared with grafted mercapto‐silica polymerized high internal phase emulsion particles was used for the preconcentration of trace lead. First, mercapto‐silica polymerized high internal phase emulsion particles were synthesized by using high internal phase emulsion polymerization and carefully assembled in a polyethylene syringe column. The influences of various parameters including adsorption pH value, adsorption and desorption solvents, flow rate of the adsorption and desorption procedure were optimized, respectively, and the suitable uploading sample volumes, adsorption capacity, and reusability of solid phase extraction column were also investigated. Under the optimum conditions, Pb²⁺ could be preconcentrated quantitatively over a wide pH range (2.0–5.0). In the presence of foreign ions, such as Na⁺, K⁺, Ca²⁺, Zn²⁺, Mg²⁺, Cu²⁺, Fe²⁺, Cd²⁺, Cl^? and NO₃^?, Pb²⁺ could be recovered successfully. The prepared solid‐phase extraction column performed with high stability and desirable durability, which allowed more than 100 replicate extractions without measurable changes of performance. The feasibility of the developed method was further validated by the extraction of Pb²⁺ in rice samples. At three spiked levels of 40.0, 200 and 800 μg/kg, the average recoveries for Pb²⁺ in rice samples ranged from 87.3 to 105.2%.     

Using a switchable-hydrophilicity solvent for the extraction−spectrophotometric determination of nickel

A procedure was developed for the extraction and preconcentration of nickel as its dimethylglyoxime complex using triethylamine. Triethylamine on exposure to CO₂ changes its hydrophilicity and converts into a polar water-miscible form. The separation of the extractant was achieved by adding a concentrated alkaline solution to the extraction mixture. The nickel-enriched triethylamine extract was separated and evaporated, the residue was dissolved in chloroform (50 μL), and absorbance at 380 nm was measured. Conditions for the determination of nickel (pH of the medium, concentrations of dimethylglyoxime and NaOH, type and volume of dispersive solvent, ultrasonic exposure, stirring time) were optimized. A procedure for the spectrophotometric determination of nickel with a limit of detection of 0.020 μg/mL (n = 10; P = 0.95) was developed. The linearity range was from 0.050 to 0.60 μg/mL. Most of nickel-related ions (Fe³⁺, Fe²⁺, Co²⁺, Cu²⁺, Zn²⁺, Cd²⁺, Pb²⁺, Hg²⁺) do not interfere with its determination. The procedure was applied to the analysis of water samples.     

A novel method for the simple and simultaneous preconcentration of Pb2+, Cu2+ and Zn2+ ions with aid of diethylenetriamine functionalized SBA-15 nanoporous silica compound

A rapid method for the extraction and monitoring of nanogram level of Pb²⁺, Cu²⁺ and Zn²⁺ ions using uniform silanized mesopor (SBA-15) functionalized with diethylenetriamine groups and flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS) is presented. The preconcentration factor of the method is 100 and detection limit of the technique is 5.5?ng?mL^?1 and 1.4?ng?mL^?1 and 0.1?ng?mL^?1 for Pb²⁺, Cu²⁺ and Zn²⁺ respectively. The time and the optimum amount of the sorbent, pH and minimum amount of acid for stripping of ions from functionalized SBA-15 were tested. The maximum capacity the functionalized SBA-15 was found to be 183.0 (±1.9) µg, 156.0 (±1.5) µg and 80.0 (±1.6) µg of Pb²⁺, Cu²⁺ and Zn²⁺/mg functionalized SBA-15, respectively.     

Ionic liquids dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction and HPLC‐atomic fluorescence spectrometric determination of mercury species in environmental waters

An ionic liquid (IL) based dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction combined with HPLC hydride generation atomic fluorescence spectrometry method for the preconcentration and determination of mercury species in environmental water samples is described. Four mercury species (MeHg⁺, EtHg⁺, PhHg⁺, and Hg²⁺) were complexed with dithionate and the neutral chelates were extracted into IL drops using dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction. Variables affecting the formation and extraction of mercury dithizonates were optimized. The optimum conditions found were as follows: IL‐type and amount, 0.05 g of 1‐octyl‐3‐methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate; dispersive solvents type and amount, 500 μL of acetone; pH, 6; extraction time, 2 min; centrifugation time, 12 min; and no sodium chloride addition. Under the optimized conditions, the detection limits of the analytes were 0.031 μg/L for Hg²⁺, 0.016 μg/L for MeHg⁺, 0.024 μg/L for EtHg⁺, and 0.092 μg/L for PhHg⁺, respectively. The repeatability of the method, expressed as RSD, was between 1.4 and 5.2% (n = 10), and the average recoveries for spiked test were 96.9% for Hg²⁺, 90.9% for MeHg⁺, 90.5% for EtHg⁺, 92.3% for PhHg⁺, respectively. The developed method was successfully applied for the speciation of mercury in environmental water samples.     

A Self‐assembled L‐Cysteine and Electrodeposited Gold Nanoparticles‐reduced Graphene Oxide Modified Electrode for Adsorptive Stripping Determination of Copper

Glassy carbon electrode (GCE) modified with L‐cysteine and gold nanoparticles‐reduced graphene oxide (AuNPs‐RGO) composite was fabricated as a novel electrochemical sensor for the determination of Cu²⁺. The AuNPs‐RGO composite was formed on GCE surface by electrodeposition. The L‐cysteine was decorated on AuNPs by self‐assembly. Physicochemical and electrochemical properties of L‐cysteine/AuNPs‐RGO/GCE were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, cyclic voltammetry and adsorptive stripping voltammetry. The results validated that the prepared electrode had many attractive features, such as large electroactive area, good electrical conductivity and high sensitivity. Experimental conditions, including electrodeposition cycle, self‐assembly time, electrolyte pH and preconcentration time were studied and optimized. Stripping signals obtained from L‐cysteine/AuNPs‐RGO/GCE exhibited good linear relationship with Cu²⁺ concentrations in the range from 2 to 60 μg L⁻¹, with a detection limit of 0.037 μg L⁻¹. Finally, the prepared electrode was applied for the determination of Cu²⁺ in soil samples, and the results were in agreement with those obtained by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry.     

Silver nanoparticle loaded on activated carbon and activated carbon modified with 2-(4-isopropylbenzylideneamino)thiophenol (IPBATP) as new sorbents for trace metal ions enrichment

The efficiencies and performances of silver nanoparticle loaded activated carbon modified with 2-(4-isopropylbenzylideneamino)thiophenol (IPBATP-Ag-NP-AC) and activated carbon modified with IPBATP (IPBATP-AC), as new sorbents, were evaluated for separation and preconcentration of Cu²⁺, Zn²⁺, Co²⁺, Cd²⁺ and Pb²⁺ ions from real environmental samples. The retained metals content was reversibly eluted using 5?mL of CH₃COOH (6.0?mol?L^?1) and/or 10?mL of 4.0?mol?L^?1 HNO₃ for IPBATP-Ag-NP-AC and IPBATP-AC, respectively. The experimental parameters influence the recoveries of metal ions including pH, amounts of ligand and supports, condition of eluents, sample and eluent flow rates of has been investigated. The preconcentration factors were found to be 100 for Zn²⁺, Cd²⁺, Co²⁺, Cu²⁺ and 50 for Pb²⁺ ions using IPBATP-Ag-NP-AC, and 50 for Zn²⁺, Cd²⁺, Co²⁺, Cu²⁺ and 25 for Pb²⁺ ions using IPBATP-AC. The detection limit of both SPE-based sorbents was between 1.6–2.5?ng?mL^?1 for IPBATP-AC and 1.3–2.5?ng?mL^?1 for IPBATP-Ag-NP-AC. The proposed methods have been successfully applied for the extraction and determination of the understudy metal ions content in some real samples with extraction efficiencies higher than 90% and relative standard deviations (RSD) lower than 2.4%.     

Synthesis and application of imprinted polyvinylimidazole-silica hybrid copolymer for Pb determination by flow-injection thermospray flame furnace atomic absorption spectrometry

A novel ion imprinted polyvinylimidazole-silica hybrid copolymer (IIHC) was synthesized and used as a selective solid sorbent for Pb²⁺ ions preconcentration using an on-line solid phase extraction (SPE) system coupled to TS-FF-AAS. The ionic hybrid sorbent was prepared using 1-vinylimidazole and 3-(trimethoxysilyl)propylmethacrylate as monomers, Pb²⁺ ions as template, tetraethoxysilane as reticulating agent and 2,2′-azobis-isobutyronitrile as initiator. The best on-line SPE conditions concerning sorption behavior, including sample pH (6.46), buffer concentration (9.0 mmol L⁻¹), eluent (HNO₃) concentration (0.5 mol L⁻¹) and preconcentration flow rate (4.0 mL min⁻¹), were optimized by means of full factorial design and Doehlert matrix. The analytical curve ranged from 2.5 to 65.0 μg L⁻¹ (r = 0.999) with limit of detection of 0.75 μg L⁻¹; the precision (repeatability) calculated as relative standard deviation (n = 10) was 5.0 and 3.6% for Pb²⁺ concentration of 10.0 and 60.0 μg L⁻¹, respectively. From on-line breakthrough curve, column capacity was 3.5 mg g⁻¹. Preconcentration factor (PF), consumptive index (CI) and concentration efficiency (CE) were 128.0, 0.16 mL and 25.6 min⁻¹, respectively. The selective performance of the sorbent, based on relative selectivity coefficient, was compared to NIC (non imprinted copolymer) for the binary mixture Pb²⁺/Cd²⁺, Pb²⁺/Cu²⁺ and Pb²⁺/Zn²⁺. The results showed that ion imprinted polyvinylimidazole-silica hybrid polymer had higher selectivity for Pb²⁺ than NIC at 64.9, 16.0 and 8.8 folds. The developed method was successfully applied for highly sensitive and selective Pb²⁺ determination in different kinds of water samples, parenteral solutions and urine. Accuracy was also assessed by analyzing certified reference fish protein (DORM-3) and marine sediment (MESS-3 and PACS-2) with satisfactory results.     

ABTS‐Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes Nanocomposite/Bi Film Electrode for Sensitive Determination of Cd and Pb by Differential Pulse Stripping Voltammetry

A 2,2′‐azinobis (3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulfonate) diammonium salt (ABTS)‐multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) nanocomposite/Bi film modified glassy carbon (GC) electrode was constructed for the differential pulse stripping voltammetric determination of trace Pb²⁺ and Cd²⁺. This electrode was more sensitive than ABTS‐free Bi/GC and Bi/MWCNTs/GC electrodes. Linear responses were obtained in the range from 0.5 to 35 μg L^?1 for Cd²⁺ and 0.2 to 50 μg L^?1 Pb(II), with detection limits of 0.2 μg L^?1 for Cd²⁺ and 0.1 μg L^?1 for Pb²⁺, respectively. This sensor was applied to the simultaneous detection of Cd²⁺ and Pb²⁺ in water samples with satisfactory recovery.     

Solid-phase extraction of Cu2+ and Pb2+ from waters using new thermally treated chitosan/polyacrylamide thin films; adsorption kinetics and thermodynamics

New biologically safe thin adsorptive films were synthesised using chitosan/polyacrylamide polymer blend (Ch/PA) via thermal crosslinking technique for the separation of Cu²⁺ and Pb²⁺ from aqueous solution and natural water samples. The prepared films were characterised using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) techniques. Thermo-gravimetric analysis revealed an enhancement in the thermal stability of the prepared thin films with increasing polyacrylamide content. Kinetic and thermodynamic studies were evaluated by batch-type experiments. The obtained results indicated that the adsorption isotherms were well described by Freundlich model, and Ch/PA have adsorption capacities of 177.9 and 126.58 mg.g^?1 to Cu²⁺ and Pb²⁺, respectively. Under optimum conditions, calculated detection limits were as low as 0.018 and 0.034 μg.L^?1 for Cu²⁺ and Pb²⁺, respectively, and relative standard deviations of less than 4% for five separate experiments. Moreover, the traditional Lagergren adsorption kinetic model provided the best fitting for the kinetic data. Furthermore, the reusability studies revealed a decrease in the adsorption capacity by about 8% after three adsorption–desorption cycles. The prepared thin films were successfully applied for the separation of Cu²⁺ and Pb²⁺ from natural water samples.     

Simultaneous separation and extraction of Ag(I), Pb(II) and Pd(II) ions by solid phase method and determination of these ions by flame atomic absorption spectrometry

A simultaneous preconcentration and separation method for determination of trace amount of dissolved Ag⁺, Pb²⁺ and Pd²⁺ ions by modified octadecyl silica membrane disks with DBzDA18C6 was developed. The adsorbed metal complexes were eluted from disk with 10?mL of 4?M KCl and determined by flame atomic absorption spectroscopy. Several parameters such as anion effect, pH of sample solution, type of eluent, amount of ligand, sample and elution flow rate were evaluated. The effect of diverse ions on preconcentration was also investigated. A precocentration factor of 110 can easily be achieved depending on the volume of the sample. For 100?mL of the solution the linear dynamic rang were found to be 30–1000, 140–6000, 60–900?μg?l^?1 for Ag⁺, Pb²⁺ and Pd²⁺, respectively. Based on three standard deviation of the blank the detection limit was obtained as 1.8, 8.0 and 4.2?μg?L^?1 for Ag⁺, Pb²⁺, Pd²⁺, respectively. The formation constants of Ag⁺ and Pb²⁺ ions with DBzDA18C6 at 25?°C were determined from the molar conductance–mole ratio data. This method was applied for the determination of Ag⁺, Pb²⁺ and Pd²⁺ in environmental water, tea and soil samples.     

Electrochemical Determination of Cd2+ and Pb2+ Using NSAID‐mefenamic Acid Functionalized Mesoporous Carbon Microspheres Modified Glassy Carbon Electrode

This paper describes the electrochemical behaviors of Cd²⁺ and Pb²⁺ on the proposed mesoporous carbon microspheres/mefenamic acid/nafion modified glassy carbon electrode (MC/MA/Nafion/GC) studied by square wave anodic stripping voltammetry (SWASV). The prepared material is characterized by XRD, SEM, FTIR, RAMAN and BET analysis. Experimental parameters, such as the deposition potential and time, the pH value of buffer solution were optimized. Under the optimized conditions, the electrode responded linearly to Cd²⁺ and Pb²⁺ in the concentration range from 50 to 300 nM, and the detection limits were 24.2 and 11.26 nM respectively. The sensitivity determined was 0.0623 μA/nM (Cd²⁺) and 0.192 μA/nM (Pb²⁺). Multiple metal ion detection with clear demarcation of peaks was produced by the electrode. Moreover, the modified electrode has possessed good selectivity and reproducibility of Cd²⁺ and Pb²⁺ detection. We also investigated the interference of various anions and surfactants for the detection of Cd²⁺ and Pb²⁺ ions. Finally the modified electrode was used to detect the presence of metal ions in practical samples and the results obtained are comparatively good with respect to AAS.     

Synthesis of core–shell magnetic ion-imprinted polymer nanospheres for selective solid-phase extraction of Pb2+ from biological,food, and wastewater samples

Magnetic ion-imprinted polymer nanospheres, which have core–shell structures, have been synthesized as an adsorbent for extraction of Pb²⁺ from real samples prior to its flame atomic absorption spectrometric determination. The prepared adsorbent has been characterized using XRD, VSM, TEM, and FTIR measurements. The optimization results revealed that the adsorbent exhibited high selectivity toward Pb²⁺ over other cations such as Cu²⁺ and Zn²⁺. In addition, the removal efficiency of synthesized adsorbent was considerable (q_m?=?171.42?mg g^?1), its calibration curve was linear (0.5?850.0?ng mL^?1), and detection limit was 0.01?ng mL^?1. These results suggested that the prepared nanoadsorbent is an ideal candidate for solid-phase extraction of Pb²⁺ ions.     

Electrochemical detection of blood lead based on the enhancement effect of copper

The anodic stripping peak current of lead on the glassy carbon electrode surface was greatly increased in the presence of high concentration of copper ion. The effects of supporting electrolyte, concentration of Cu²⁺, accumulation potential and accumulation time were studied on the stripping peak current of Pb²⁺. As a result, a sensitive, simple and rapid electrochemical method was developed for the detection of lead. In 0.01 M HNO₃ solution containing 800 g,g L^?1 Cu²⁺, the stripping peak current of Pb²⁺ increases linearly with its concentration over the range from 2 to 100 μg L^?1. The detection limit is 1 μg L^?1 after 4-min accumulation at ?0.8 V. It was used to detect the concentration of lead in blood samples, and the results consisted with the values that obtained by atomic absorption spectrometry.     

Biosorption of copper (II) and lead (II) from aqueous solutions by nonliving green algae Cladophora fascicularis: Equilibrium, kinetics and environmental effects

Biosorption of Cu²⁺ and Pb²⁺ by Cladop- hora fascicularis was investigated as a function of initial pH, initial heavy metal concentrations, temperature and other co-existing ions. Adsorption equilibriums were well described by Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models. The maximum adsorption capacities were 1.61 mmol/g for Cu²⁺ and 0.96 mmol/g for Pb²⁺ at 298 K and pH 5.0. The adsorption processes were endothermic and biosorption heats calculated by the Langmuir constant b were 39.0 and 29.6 kJ/mol for Cu²⁺ and Pb²⁺, respectively. The biosorption kinetics followed the pseudo-second order model. No significant effect on the uptake of Cu²⁺ and Pb²⁺ by co-existing cations and anions was observed, except EDTA. Desorption experiments indicated that Na₂EDTA was an efficient desorbent for the recovery of Cu²⁺ and Pb²⁺ from biomass. The results showed that Cladophora fascicularis was an effective and economical biosorbent material for the removal and recovery of heavy metal ions from wastewater.     

Detection of Trace Heavy Metal Ions Using Carbon Nanotube‐ Modified Electrodes

A sensitive voltammetric method for detection of trace heavy metal ions using chemically modified carbon nanotubes (CNTs) electrode surfaces is described. The CNTs were covalently modified with cysteine prior to casting on electrode surfaces. Cysteine is an amino acid with high affinities towards some heavy metals. In this assay, heavy metals ions accumulated on the cysteine‐modified CNT electrode surfaces prior to being subjected to differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry analysis. The resulting peak currents were linearly related to the concentrations of the metal ions. The method was optimized with respect to accumulation time, reduction time and reduction potential. The detection limits were found to be 1 ppb and 15 ppb for Pb²⁺ and Cu²⁺ respectively. The technique was used for the detection of Pb²⁺ and Cu²⁺ in spiked lake water. The average recoveries of Pb²⁺ and Cu²⁺ were 96.2% and 94.5% with relative standard deviations of 8.43% and 7.53% respectively. The potential for simultaneous detection of heavy metal ions by the modified CNTs was also demonstrated.     

In situ Magnesiothermal Synthesis of Mesoporous MgO/OMC Composite for Sensitive Detection of Lead Ions

Mesoporous materials have exceptional properties for application owing to their ability to absorb and interact with guest species. A novel MgO/OMC composite with mesoporous structure was successfully synthesized via in situ magnesiothermic reduction. The structure was confirmed by N₂ sorption isotherms, X‐ray diffraction pattern (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). By using nafion and bismuth films as co‐modifiers, the MgO/OMC composite material shows high sensitivity of 0.113 μA ? L μg^?1 and lower background current for electrochemical determination of lead ion (Pb²⁺) by using anodic stripping voltammetry. The high specific surface area and good mass transfer on the proposed mesoporous material, as well as the outstanding adsorption abilities of MgO to metal ions and the excellent conductivity of the carbon skeleton contribute to the enhanced electrochemical response of Pb²⁺. As the stripping response of Bi/MgO/OMC‐Nafion/PGE is highly linear (R²=0.998) over a Pb²⁺ concentration range of 2 to 300 μg/L, it was successfully used to analyse Pb²⁺ in real tap‐water samples with good recoveries.     

Determination of Trace Lead and Cadmium in Water Samples by Anodic Stripping Voltammetry with a Nafion‐Ionic Liquid‐Coated Bismuth Film Electrode

A new chemically modified bismuth film electrode coated with an ionic liquid [(1‐ethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium tetracyanoborate (EMIM TCB)] and Nafion was developed for the simultaneous determination Pb²⁺ and Cd²⁺ by anodic stripping voltammetry. Compared with conventional bismuth film electrodes, this electrode exhibited greatly improved electrochemical activity for Pb²⁺ and Cd²⁺ detection due to the unique properties of Nafion polymer and ionic liquid. The key experimental parameters related to the fabrication of the electrode and the voltammetric measurements were optimized on the basis of the stripping signals, where the peak currents increased linearly with the metal concentrations in a range of 10–120 µg L^?1 with a detect limit of 0.2 µg L^?1 for Pb²⁺, and 0.5 µg L^?1 for Cd²⁺ for 120s deposition. High reproducibility was indicated from the relative standard deviations (1.9 and 2.5 %) for nine repetitive measurements of 20 µg L^?1 Pb²⁺ and Cd²⁺, respectively. In addition, the surface characteristics of the modified BiFE were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and results showed that fibril‐like bismuth nanostructures were formed on the porous Nafion polymer matrix. Finally, the developed electrode was applied to determine Pb²⁺ and Cd²⁺ in water samples, indicating that this electrode was sensitive, reliable and effective for the simultaneous determination of Pb²⁺ and Cd²⁺.     

Electrochemical sensor for Cd2+ and Pb2+ detection based on nano-porous pseudo carbon paste electrode

An electrochemical sensor based on self-made nano-porous pseudo carbon paste electrode (nano-PPCPE) has been successfully developed, and used to detect Cd²⁺ and Pb²⁺. The experimental results showed that the electrochemical performance of nanoPPCPE is evidently better than both glassy carbon electrode (GCE) and pure carbon paste electrode (CPE). Then the prepared nano-PPCPE was applied to detect Cd²⁺ and Pb²⁺ in standard solution, the results showed that the electrodes can quantitatively detect trace Cd²⁺ and Pb²⁺, which has great significance in electrochemical analysis and detection. The linear ranges between the target ions concentration and the DPASV current were from 0.1–3.0 μmol/L, 0.05–4.0 μmol/L for Cd²⁺ and Pb²⁺, respectively. And the detection limits were 0.0780 μmol/L and 0.0292 μmol/L, respectively. Moreover, the preparation of the nano-PPCPE is cheap, simple and has important practical value.     

Syntheses,structures of N‐(substituted)‐2‐aza‐[3]‐ferrocenophanes and their application as redox sensor for Cu2+ ion

Rigid N‐(substituted)‐2‐aza‐[3]‐ferrocenophanes L1 and L2 were easily synthesized from 1,1 ‐dicarboxyaldehydeferrocene and the corresponding amines. Ligands L1 and L2 were characterized by ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR and single‐crystal X‐ray crystallography. The coordination abilities of L1 and L2 with metal ions such as Cu²⁺, Mg²⁺, Ni²⁺, Zn²⁺, Pb²⁺ and Cd²⁺ were evaluated by cyclic voltammetry. The electrochemical shift (ΔE_1/2) of 125 mV was observed in the presence of Cu²⁺ ion, while no significant shift of the Fc/Fc + couple was observed when Mg²⁺, Ni²⁺, Zn²⁺, Pb²⁺, Cd²⁺ metal ions were added to the solution of L1 in the mixture of MeOH and H₂O. Moreover, the extent of the anodic shift of redox potentials was approximately equal to that induced by Cu²⁺ alone when a mixture of Cu²⁺, Mg²⁺, Ni²⁺, Zn²⁺, Pb²⁺ and Cd²⁺ was added to a solution of L1. Ligand L1 was proved to selectively sense Cu²⁺ in the presence of large, excessive first‐row transition and late‐transition metal cations. The coordination model was proposed from the results of controlled experiments and quantum calculations. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.