Supramolecular Tetrad Featuring Covalently Linked Bis(porphyrin)–Phthalocyanine Coordinated to Fullerene: Construction and Photochemical Studies

A multimodular donor–acceptor tetrad featuring a bis(zinc porphyrin)–(zinc phthalocyanine) ((ZnP–ZnP)–ZnPc) triad and bis‐pyridine‐functionalized fullerene was assembled by a “two‐point” binding strategy, and investigated as a charge‐separating photosynthetic antenna‐reaction center mimic. The spectral and computational studies suggested that the mode of binding of the bis‐pyridine‐functionalized fullerene involves either one of the zinc porphyrin and zinc phthalocyanine (Pc) entities of the triad or both zinc porphyrin entities leaving ZnPc unbound. The binding constant evaluated by constructing a Benesi–Hildebrand plot by using the optical data was found to be 1.17×10⁵ M ^?1, whereas a plot of “mole‐ratio” method revealed a 1:1 stoichiometry for the supramolecular tetrad. The mode of binding was further supported by differential pulse voltammetry studies, in which redox modulation of both zinc porphyrin and zinc phthalocyanine entities was observed. The geometry of the tetrad was deduced by B3LYP/6‐31G* optimization, whereas the energy levels for different photochemical events was established by using data from the optical absorption and emission, and electrochemical studies. Excitation of the zinc porphyrin entity of the triad and tetrad revealed ultrafast singlet–singlet energy transfer to the appended zinc phthalocyanine. The estimated rate of energy transfer (k_ENT) in the case of the triad was found to be 7.5×10¹¹ s^?1 in toluene and 6.3×10¹¹ s^?1 in o‐dichlorobenzene, respectively. As was predicted from the energy levels, photoinduced electron transfer from the energy‐transfer product, that is, singlet‐excited zinc phthalocyanine to fullerene was verified from the femtosecond‐transient spectral studies, both in o‐dichlorobenzene and toluene. Transient bands corresponding to ZnPc ^{? +} in the 850 nm range and C₆₀ ^{? ?} in the 1020 nm range were clearly observed. The rate of charge separation, k_CS, and rate of charge recombination, k_CR, for the (ZnP–ZnP)–ZnPc ^{? +}:Py₂C₆₀ ^{? ?} radical ion pair (from the time profile of 849 nm peak) were found to be 2.20×10¹¹ and 6.10×10⁸ s^?1 in toluene, and 6.82×10¹¹ and 1.20×10⁹ s^?1 in o‐dichlorobenzene, respectively. These results revealed efficient energy transfer followed by charge separation in the newly assembled supramolecular tetrad.     

Polymeric membrane and coated graphite electrode based on newly synthesized tetraazamacrocyclic ligand for trace level determination of nickel ion in fruit juices and wine samples

Novel polymeric membrane electrode (PME) and coated graphite electrode (CGE) for nickel ion were prepared based on 2,9-(2-methoxyaniline)₂-4,11-Me₂-[14]-1,4,8,11-tetraene-1,5,8,12-N₄ as a suitable neutral ionophore. The addition of lipophilic anion excluder (NaTPB) and various plasticizers viz o-nitrophenyloctylether (o-NPOE), dioctylphthalate (DOP), dibutylphthalate (DBP), 1-chloronaphthalene (CN) and tri-n-butylphosphate (TBP) have found to improve the performance of the sensors. The best performance was obtained for the membrane sensor having a composition of I:NaTPB:TBP:PVC in the ratio 6:4:100:90 (w/w; mg). The electrodes exhibit Nernstian slopes for Ni²⁺ ions over wide concentration ranges of 4.6 × 10^?7–1.0 × 10^?1 M for PME and 7.7 × 10^?8–1.0 × 10^?1 M for CGE with limits of detection of 2.7 × 10^?7 M for PME and 3.7 × 10^?8 M for CGE. The response time for PME and CGE was found to be 10 and 8 s respectively. The potentiometric responses are independent of the pH of the test solution in the pH range 3.0–8.0. The proposed electrodes revealed good selectivities over a wide variety of other cations including alkali, alkaline earth, transition and heavy metal ions. The coated graphite electrode was used as an indicator electrode in the potentiometric titration of nickel ion with EDTA and in direct determination in different fruit juices and wine samples.     

Highly Selective Chromium(III) PVC‐Membrane Electrodes Based on Some Recently Synthesized Schiff's Bases

Three recently synthesized Schiff's bases were studied to characterize their ability as Cr³⁺ ion carrier in PVC‐membrane electrodes. The polymeric membrane (PME) and coated glassy carbon (CGCE) electrodes based on 2‐hydroxybenzaldehyde‐O,O′‐(1,2‐dioxetane‐1,2‐diyl) oxime (L1) exhibited Nernstian responses for Cr³⁺ ion over wide concentration ranges (1.5×10^?6–8.0×10^?3 M for PME and 4.0×10^?7–3.0×10^?3 M for CGCE) and very low limits of detection (1.0×10^?6 M for PME and 2.0×10^?7 M for CGCE). The proposed potentiometric sensors manifest advantages of relatively fast response and, most importantly, good selectivities relative to a wide variety of other cations. The selectivity behavior of the proposed Cr³⁺ ion‐selective electrodes revealed a considerable improvement compared to the best previously PVC‐membrane electrodes for chromium(III) ion. The potentiometric responses of the electrodes are independent of pH of the test solution in the pH range 3.0–6.0. The electrodes were successfully applied to determine chromium(III) in water samples.     

Sensitive Voltammetric Response of p‐Nitroaniline on Single‐Wall Carbon Nanotube‐Ionic Liquid Gel Modified Glassy Carbon Electrodes

An ionic liquid (i.e., 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate, BMIMPF₆)‐single‐walled carbon nanotube (SWNT) gel modified glassy carbon electrode (BMIMPF₆‐SWNT/GCE) is fabricated. At it the voltammetric behavior and determination of p‐nitroaniline (PNA) is explored. PNA can exhibit a sensitive cathodic peak at ?0.70 V (vs. SCE) in pH 7.0 phosphate buffer solution on the electrode, resulting from the irreversible reduction of PNA. Under the optimized conditions, the peak current is linear to PNA concentration over the range of 1.0×10^?8–7.0×10^?6 M, and the detection limit is 8.0×10^?9 M. The electrode can be regenerated by successive potential scan in a blank solution for about 5 times and exhibits good reproducibility. Meanwhile, the feasibility to determine other nitroaromatic compounds (NACs) with the modified electrode is also tested. It is found that the NACs studied (i.e., p‐nitroaniline, p‐nitrophenol, o‐nitrophenol, m‐nitrophenol, p‐nitrobenzoic acid, and nitrobenzene) can all cause sensitive cathodic peaks under the conditions, but their peak potentials and peak currents are different to some extent. Their peak currents and concentrations show linear relationships in concentration ranges with about 3 orders of magnitude. The detection limits are 8.0×10^?9 M for p‐nitroaniline, 2.0×10^?9 M for p‐nitrophenol, 5.0×10^?9 M for o‐nitrophenol, 5.0×10^?9 M for m‐nitrophenol, 2.0×10^?8 M for p‐nitrobenzoic acid and 8.0×10^?9 M for nitrobenzene respectively. The BMIMPF₆‐SWNT/GCE is applied to the determination of NACs in lake water.     

Amide and Acyl‐Hydrazine Functionalized Calix[4]arenes as Carriers for Hydrogen Phosphate Selective Electrodes

Anion‐selective solvent polymeric membrane based on hydrogen bond‐forming, neutral ionophores with amide or acyl‐hydrazine groups are described. The use of the two calix[4]arenes results in anion‐selective electrodes with a selectivity for phosphate. The electrodes of the optimum characteristic have the composition of 1 wt% ionophore, 66 wt% o‐NPOE, 33 wt% poly (vinyl chloride) (PVC) and TDMACl (15 or 30 mol% relative to the ionophore 1 and 2 , respectively). The optimized membrane electrodes show Nernstian responses towards monohydrogen phosphate (?29.1 and ?29.3 mV/decade) based on ionophore 1 and 2 , respectively, in a wide concentration range (1.0×10^?5 to 1.0×10^?2 or 1.0×10^?5 to 1.0×10^?1 M). The selectivity coefficients are determined with the fixed interference method and the activity ratio method. The electrodes display an anti‐Hofmeister series selectivity pattern and highly selective for HPO₄^2? over Cl^?, Br^?, CH₃COO^?, NO₃^? and SO₄^2?. The lifetime of the electrodes is at least 1 month and their response time is found to be 25 s. The proposed sensors could be put to analytical use both by direct potentiometry as well as potentiometric titration.     

Novel Potentiometric Sensors for Determination of Melatonin and Oxomemazine in Biological Samples and in Pharmaceutical Formulations

Simple, selective and accurate sensors were developed for the determination of melatonin and oxomemazine in biological samples (urine) and in pharmaceutical preparations. Potentiometric measurements were based on bismus tetraiodate‐drug ion‐pair as novel electroactive materials incorporating a plasticized PVC membrane with o‐nitrophenyl octyl ether or dioctyl phthalate. Each sensor was conditioned for at least two days in 0.1 M drug solution before use. It exhibited fast and stable Nernstian response for melatonin and oxomemazine over the concentration range of 1.0×10^?6–1.0×10^?2 M and 1.0×10^?5–1.0×10^?2 M, pH range of 3.0–6.5 and 3.5–6.0 for melatonin and oxomemazine sensors, respectively. Results with an average recovery not more than 101 % and a mean standard deviation less than 1.0 % of the nominal were obtained for the four sensors. The sensors showed reasonable selectivity towards investigated drugs in presence of many cations.     

Novel Potentiometric PVC‐Membrane and Coated Graphite Sensors for Lanthanum(III)

Preliminary theoretical studies revealed the selective complexation of bis (2‐mercaptoanil) diacetyl (BMDA) with La³⁺ over several alkali, alkaline earth and heavy metal ions. Thus, novel PVC‐based membrane (PBM) and coated graphite membrane (CGM) sensors for La(III) based on BMDA were prepared. The electrodes display Nernstian behavior over wide concentration ranges (i.e., 1.0×10^?5–1.0×10^?1 M for PBM and 1.0×10^?6–1.0×10^?1 M for CGM). The potential response of sensors was pH independent in the range of 4.0–8.0. The sensors possess satisfactory reproducibility, fast response time (<15 s), and specially excellent discriminating ability for La³⁺ ions with respect to most of the cations. The membrane sensor was used as an indicator electrode in potentiometric titration of lanthanum ions with EDTA. The coated graphite membrane electrode was applied in determination of fluoride ions in mouth wash preparations.     

Novel Polymeric Membrane Sensors Based on Mn(III) Porphyrin and Co(II) Phthalocyanine Ionophores for Batch and Flow Injection Determination of Azide

Two novel potentiometric azide membrane sensors based on the use of manganese(III)porphyrin [Mn(III)P] and cobalt(II)phthalocyanine [Co(II)Pc] ionophores dispersed in plasticized poly(vinyl chloride) PVC matrix membranes are described. Under batch mode of operation, [Mn(III)P] and [Co(II)Pc] based membrane sensors display near‐ and sub‐Nernstian responses of ?56.3 and ?48.5 mV decade^?1 over the concentration ranges 1.0×10^?2?2.2×10^?5 and 1.0×10^?2?5.1×10^?5 mol L^?1 azide and detection limits of 1.5×10^?5 and 2.5×10^?5 mol L^?1, respectively. Incorporation of both membrane sensors in flow‐through tubular cell offers sensitive detectors for flow injection (FIA) determination of azide. The intrinsic characteristics of the [Mn(III)P] and [Co(II)Pc] based detectors in a low dispersion manifold show calibration slopes of ?51.2 and ?33.5 mV decade^?1 for the concentration ranges of 1.0×10^?5?1.0×10^?2 and 1.0×10^?4?1.0×10^?2 mol L^?1 azide and the detection limits are1.0×10^?5 and 3.1×10^?5 mol L^?1, respectively. The detectors are used for determining azide at an input rate of 40–60 samples per hour. The responses of the sensors are stable within ±0.9 mV for at least 8 weeks and are pH independent in the range of 3.9?6.5. No interferences are caused by most common anions normally associated with azide ion.     

Use of Tin (IV) Porhyrins as Ionophores for the Construction of Phthalate‐Selective Electrodes: Influence of the Structure and Membrane Composition on their Response Properties

Tin(IV) porphyrins derivatives were used as ionophores for phthalate selective electrodes preparation. The influence of ionophore structure and membrane composition (amount of incorporated ionic sites) on the electrode response, selectivity and long‐term stability were studied. Poly(vinyl chloride) polymeric membranes plasticized with o‐NPOE (o‐nitrophenyloctylether) and containing Sn(IV)‐tetraphenylporphyrin (TPP) dichloride (Sn(IV)[TPP]Cl₂) or Sn(IV)‐octaethylporphyrin (OEP) dichloride (Sn(IV)[OEP]Cl₂), and in some cases incorporating lipophilic cationic (tetraocthylammonium bromide ‐ TOABr) and anionic (sodium tetraphenylborate – NaTPB and potassium tetrakis[3,5‐bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]borate‐KTFPB) additives, were prepared and their potentiometric characteristics compared. Both ionophores are shown to operate via a neutral mechanism, and the addition of 10 mol % of lipophilic quaternary ammonium salt derivative to the membrane is required to achieve optimal electrode performance. The potentiometric units prepared, with Sn(IV)[TPP]Cl₂ (Type A) or Sn(IV)[OEP]Cl₂ (Type B) without additives, presented a slope of ?52.8 mV dec^?1 and ?58.8 mV dec^?1 and LLLR of 9.9×10^?5 mol L^?1 and 9.9×10^?6 mol L^?1, respectively. The units prepared using the same metalloporphyrins and incorporating 10% mol TOABr presented a slope of ?55.0 mV dec^?1 and ?57.8 mV dec^?1 and LLLR of 5.0×10^?7 mol L^?1 and 3.0×10^?7 mol L^?1. Their analytical usefulness was assessed by potentiometric determinations of phthalate in water and industrial products providing results that presented recoveries of about 100%.     

Using 2,4 DNPH-PVC membrane sensors for indirect determination of formaldehyde in urea glue and wastewater

Three simple, rapid, and sensitive ion-selective electrodes for indirect determination of free formaldehyde in urea glue and wastewater have been developed. The methods are based on the formation of the membrane sensors 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine-phosphtungestic acid (DNPH-PTA), 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine-phosphomolybdic acid (DNPH-PMA), and 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine-tetraphenylborate (DNPH-TPB) as neutral carriers. The sensors are stable and show fast potential responses of 30?s, and near-Nernstian cationic slopes of 56.2?±?0.5, 54.3?±?0.5, and 53.8?±?0.4?mV per decade of activity between pH 0.5 and 3.5 over a wide range of 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine concentrations (1?×?10^?5 to 1?×?10^?2?M). These sensors were used for indirect determination of formaldehyde over concentration range (1?×?10^?4 to 1?×?10^?1?M). The selectivity coefficients of the developed sensors indicate excellent selectivity for 2,4 DNPH over a large number of organic and inorganic species. The mediator o-nitrophenyloctyl ether has a significant affect on the lifetime of the fabricated sensors. The analytical applications of the proposed sensors showed good results for indirect determination of formaldehyde in formaldehyde solutions, wastewater solutions, and free formaldehyde in urea-formaldehyde liquid and powder glues. The results were compared favourably with that obtained by ASTM, colorimetric, and British Standard methods.     

Zn(II)‐Selective Membrane Electrode Based on Tetraazamacrocycle [Bzo2Me2Ph2(16)hexaeneN4]

A PVC membrane electrode using [Bzo₂Me₂Ph₂(16)hexaeneN₄] ( I ) as ionophore, oleic acid as lipophilic additive and o‐nitrophenyloctyl ether as plasticizer has been investigated as Zn(II)‐selective electrode. The membrane incorporating 34.9% (w/w) PVC, 2.3% I , 4.7% OA and 58.1% o‐NPOE gave linear response over the concentration range 2.82×10^?6?1.0×10^?1 M with a Nernstian slope of 28.5±0.2 mV/decade of concentration with a detection limit of 2.24×10^?6 M (0.146 ppm) and showed a response time of less than 10 s and could be used in pH range 2.5–8.5. High selectivity was obtained over a wide variety of metal ions. The proposed electrode was successfully used as an indicator electrode in potentiometric titration of zinc ions with EDTA and for determination of zinc in real samples.     

Novel potentiometric sensors for pyrilamine maleate

The fabrication and electrochemical response characteristics of four novel potentiometric sensors for determination of pyrilamine maleate (PyraH) were described. The sensors include polymeric membrane electrodes (PME₁, PME₂) and carbon paste electrodes (CPE₁, CPE₂). The fabricated sensors were based on the ion-pair of pyrilamine with sodium tetraphenylborate (NaTPB) and ammonium reineckate (NH₄RN) using dibutyl phthalate (DBP) as plasticizing solvent. The sensors showed linear, stable and near-Nernstian slopes of 56.4 ± 0.4, 54.2 ± 0.2, 58.8 ± 0.3 and 57.9 ± 0.4 mV decade^?1 at 25 ± 0.1 °C and detection limits of 2.0 × 10^?5, 1.8 × 10^?5, 1.0 × 10^?5 and 9.5 × 10^?6 mol L^?1 for PME₁, PME₂, CPE₁ and CPE₂ sensors, respectively. The response time was less than 10 and 8 s for polymeric membrane and carbon paste sensors. The proposed sensors displayed good selectivity for pyrilamine with respect to a number of common inorganic and organic species. The thermal temperature coefficients of the investigated sensors were 0.9508, 0.7012, 0.9450 and 0.6497 mV °C^?1. Modified carbon paste sensors showed lower detection limits, higher thermal stability and faster response time than those of polymeric membrane sensors. The proposed sensors displayed useful analytical characteristics for determination of pyrilamine in pharmaceutical preparation and biological fluids (Human urine and plasma).     

A Novel Flow‐Through Planar Solid Contact Sensor for the Determination of Lead with Potentiometric Anionic Response

The construction and general performance characteristics of two poly(vinyl chloride) matrix chemical sensors for lead were described. These sensors were based on the use of ion association complexes of trihydroxoplumbate, [Pb(OH)₃]^? and tetraiodoplumbate, [PbI₄]^2?with cetylpyridinium chloride (CP) and iron(II)‐4,7‐bathophenanthroline [Fe(bphen)₃]²⁺ as novel electroactive materials dispersed in o‐nitrophenyloctyl ether (o‐NPOE) plasticizer for ionometric sensor controls, respectively. The sensing membrane (3×5 mm) is immobilized on a wafer polyimide chip (size 13.5×3.5 mm) to offer a planar miniaturized design that could be easily used flow injection system. Under static modes of operation, the sensors revealed a near Nernstian response over a wide Pb²⁺ ion concentration range 7.9×10^?7 to 10^?4 and 3.2×10^?7 to 10^?4 mol L^?1 with detection limit of 100 and 45.5 ng mL^?1, respectively . In flow injection potentiometry, excellent reproducibility (RSD%=0.5%), fast response, high sensitivity, high sampling rate (50 sample h^?1) and stable baseline was observed in the presence of 5×10^?2 mol L^?1 NaOH and 10^?1 mol L^?1 KI as a carrier for [CP][Pb(OH)₃] and [Fe(bphen)₃][PbI₄] membrane based sensors, respectively. Validation of the assay method according to the quality assurance standards (range, within‐day repeatability, between‐day variability, standard deviation, accuracy, lower detection limit) reveals good performance characteristics and suggests application for routine determination of lead in industrial wastewaters and stack emissions of lead smelters. The results agree fairly well with data obtained by the standard atomic absorption methods.     

Iodide‐Selective Electrode Based on Copper Phthalocyanine

Copper phthalocyanine was used as ion carrier for preparing polymeric membrane selective sensor for detection of iodide. The electrode was prepared by incorporating the ionophore into plasticized poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) membrane, coated on the surface of graphite electrode. This novel electrode shows high selectivity for iodide with respect to many common inorganic and organic anions. The effects of membrane composition, pH and the influence of lipophilic cationic and anionic additives and also nature of plasticizer on the response characteristics of the electrode were investigated. A calibration plot with near‐Nernestian slope for iodide was observed over a wide linear range of five decades of concentration (5×10^?6?1×10^?1 M). The electrode has a fast response time, and micro‐molar detection limit (ca. 1×10^?6 M iodide) and could be used over a wide pH range of 3.0–8.0. Application of the electrode to the potentiometric titration of iodide ion with silver nitrate is reported. This sensor is used for determination of the minute amounts of iodide in lake water samples.     

Flow injection determination of hydrogen peroxide using diperiodatoargentate- and diperiodatonickelate-luminol chemiluminescence

A novel chemiluminescence (CL) method for the determination of hydrogen peroxide is described. Method is based on the transition metals in highest oxidation state complex, which include diperiodatoargentate (DPA) and diperiodatonickelate (DPN) and show excellent sensitisation on the luminol-H₂O₂ CL reaction with low luminol concentration in alkaline medium. In particular, the sensitiser which was previously reported (such as Co²⁺, Cu²⁺, Ni²⁺, Mn²⁺, Fe³⁺, Cr³⁺, KIO₄, K₃Fe(CN)₆ etc.) to be unobserved CL due to poor sensitisation with such low concentration of luminol which makes the method hold high selectivity. Based on this observation, the detection limits were 6.5?×?10^?9?mol?L^?1 and 1.1?×?10^?8?mol?L^?1 hydrogen peroxide for the DPN- and DPA-luminol CL systems, respectively. The relative CL intensity was linear with the hydrogen peroxide concentration in the range of 2.0?×?10^?8–6.0?×?10^?6?mol?L^?1 and 4.0?×?10^?8–4.0?×?10^?6?mol?L^?1 for the DPN- and DPA-luminol CL systems, respectively. The proposed method had good reproducibility with a relative standard deviation of 3.4% (8.0?×?10^?7?mol?L^?1, n?=?7) and 1.0% (2.0?×?10^?6?mol?L^?1, n?=?7) for the DPN- and DPA-luminol CL systems, respectively. A satisfactory result has been gained for the determination of H₂O₂ in rainwater and artificial lake water by use of the proposed method.     

A PVC Membrane Sensor for Potentiometric Determination of Atorvastatin in Biological Samples and Pharmaceutical Preparations

The present article reports for the first time the use of Aliquat 336S‐atorvastatin as an electroactive material in a poly(vinyl chloride) matrix membrane sensor plasticized with ortho‐nitrophenyl‐octylether (o‐NPOE) or dioctylphthalate (DOP) for determination of atorvastatin in biological samples (human plasma) and in pharmaceutical preparations. The sensor shows fast, stable and reproducible response over the concentration range of 1.0×10^?7–1.0×10^?2 mol L^?1 atorvastatin with anionic slopes of 60.94±0.2 and 58.22±0.2 and pH range of 5.0–9.0 for o‐NPOE and DOP plasticized based membrane sensors, respectively. The response time of the sensor is stable and fast (10 s). Results were achieved with average recoveries of 99.5 % and 99.3 % and mean standard deviations of ±1.1 % and ±1.4 % for o‐NPOE and DOP plasticized based membrane sensors, respectively. The sensor exhibits high selectivity towards atorvastatin in the presence of many anions, drug excipients and diluents. Validation of the method according to the quality assurance standards shows suitability of the proposed sensors for use in the quality control assessment of the drug.     

Flow‐Through Assay of Quinine Using Solid Contact Potentiometric Sensors Based on Molecularly Imprinted Polymers

Miniaturized potentiometric membrane sensors for quinine incorporated with molecular imprinted polymer (MIP) were synthesized and implemented. Planar PVC based polymeric membrane sensors containing quinine‐methacrylic and/or acrylic acid‐ethylene glycol methacrylate were dispensed into anisotropically etched wells on polyimide wafers. The determination of quinine was carried out in acidic solution at pH 6, where positively charged species predominated prevalently. The suggested miniaturized planner sensors exhibited marked selectivity, sensitivity, long‐term stability and reproducibility. At their optimum conditions, the sensors displayed wide concentration ranges of 4.0×10^?6–1.0×10^?2mol L^?1 and 1.0×10^?5–1.0×10^?2 mol L^?1 with slopes of about 61.3–55.7 mV decade^?1; respectively. Sensors exhibit detection limits of 1.2×10^?6 and 8.2×10^?6 mol L^?1 upon the use of methacrylic and acrylic acid monomers in the imprinted polymer, respectively. Validation of the assay method according to the quality assurance standards (range, within‐day repeatability, between‐day variability, standard deviation, accuracy, and good performance characteristics) which could assure good reliable novel sensors for quinine estimation was justified. Application of the proposed flow‐through assay method for routine determination of quinine in soft drinks was assayed and the results compared favorably with data obtained by the standard fluorimetric method.     

Novel Thorium Membrane Sensors with Anionic Response Based on Trioctylphosphine Oxide and Toluate Ionophores

Two novel potentiometric polymeric membrane sensors for rapid and accurate determination of thorium are described. These are based on the use of trioctylphosphine oxide (TOPO) and thorium toluate (Th‐TA) as ionophores dispersed in poly(vinyl chloride) matrix membranes plasticized with nitrophenyloctyl ether. In strong nitric acid medium, Th(IV) nitrate is converted into [Th(NO₃)₆]^2? complex and sensed as anionic divalent ion which exclude most cationic effect. Validation of the assay methods using the quality assurance standards (linearity range, accuracy, precision, within‐day variability, between‐day‐repeatability, lower detection limit and sensitivity) reveals excellent performance characteristics of both sensors. The sensors exhibit near‐Nernstian response for 1.0×10^?6–1.0×10^?1 M Th over the pH range 2.5–4.5. Calibration slopes of ?32.3±0.3 and ?27.2±0.2 mV/decade, precision of ±0.5 and ±0.8% and accuracy of 98.8±0.9 and 97.9±0.7% are obtained with TOPO and Th‐TA based sensors, respectively. Negligible interferences are caused by most interfering mono‐, di‐, tri‐, tetra‐, penta‐, and hexa‐valent elements commonly associated with thorium in naturally occurring minerals and ores. High concentrations of Cl^?, F^?, SO₄^2?, and NO₃^? ions have no diverse effect. Complete removal of the effect of the interferents in complex matrices is achieved by retention of [Th(NO₃)₆]^2? complex from 5 M nitric acid/methanol mixture (1 : 9 v/v) on a strong anion exchanger, washing out the cationic interferents followed by stripping off thorium anion complex and measurements. Both sensors are used for determining thorium in certified thorium ore samples (20–120 mg Th/kg) and some naturally occurring ores (200–600 mg Th/kg). The results obtained agree fairly well with the certified labeled values or the data obtained using X‐ray fluorescence spectrometry     

[Cu(L)](NO3)2 (L=4,7‐Bis(3‐aminopropyl)‐1‐thia‐4,7‐diazacyclononane) as a Suitable Ionophore for Construction of Thiocyanate‐Selective Electrodes and Their Use in Determination of Urinary and Salivary Thiocyanate Concentration

The construction, performance characteristics, and application of polymeric membrane (PME) and coated graphite (CGE) thiocyanate‐selective electrodes are reported. The electrodes were prepared by incorporating the complex [Cu(L)](NO₃)₂ (L=4,7‐bis(3‐aminopropyl)‐1‐thia‐4,7‐diazacyclononane) into a plasiticized poly(vinyl chloride) membrane. The influence of membrane composition, pH of test solution, and foreign ions were investigated. The electrodes reveal Nernstian behavior over a wide SCN^? ion concentration range (1.0×10^?6–1.0×10^?1 M for PME and 5.0×10^?7–1.0×10^?2 M for CGE) and show fast dynamic response times of 15 s and lower. The proposed sensors show high selectivity towards thiocyanate over several common organic and inorganic anions. They were successfully applied to the direct determination of thiocyanate in urine and saliva of smokers and nonsmokers, and as an indicator electrode in titration of Ag⁺ ions with thiocyanate.     

Flow‐Through Potentiometric Sensors for Alizarin Red S Dye and Their Application for Aluminum Determination

Novel selective and sensitive poly (vinyl chloride) membrane sensors are developed for measuring alizarin red S (AR) based on the use of aliquate 336, Mg^IIphthalocyanine (MgPc), Cu^IIphthalocyanine (CuPc) and Fe^II phthalocyanine (FePc) plasticized poly (vinyl chloride) membrane. The sensors display Nernestian response with slopes of ‐50.6 ± 0.6 , ‐37.4 ± 0.5 , ‐37.7 ± 0.8 and ‐35.0 ± 0.7 mV decade^?1 over the range of 5.2 × 10^?6 to 1 × 10^?2 mol L^?1 for all of them and detection limits of 5.9 × 10^?7, 1.9 × 10‐^?6 2.3 × 10^?6 and 1.9 × 10^?6 mol L^?1 for aliquate, MgPc, CuPc and FePc membrane based sensor, respectively. The sensors exhibit long life span, long term potential stability, high reproducibility, fast response and good discrimination ability towards alizarinate ion in comparison with many other anions. A tubular detector based on aliquate, MgPc, CuPc and FePc was further developed and coupled to a flow‐injection system for alizarin (AR) determination. Under optimized conditions, the linearity range is 1.0 × 10^?5‐ 1.0 × 10^?1 mol L^?1, with a slope of ‐52.1 ± 0.8, 20.9 ± 0.7, 23.6 ± 0.4 and 25 ± 1.1 mV decade^?1 and a reproducibility of ± 0.8 mV (n = 6) for aliquate, MgPc, CuPc and FePc membrane based sensors, respectively. The sensor based on aliquate is further utilized for a potentiodynamic quantification of aluminum in sludge samples and deodorants. The buffered solution of alizarin was allowed to react in a flow system with aluminum. The calibration curve of Al was found to be linear over a concentration range of 0.1 to 1.8 and 1.0 ‐ 40 μg mL^?1 with a slope = 16.9 (r² = 0.993) and 1.76 (r² = 0.994) mV (μg/mL)^?1 and a detection limit of 0.08 and 0.5 μg mL^?1 for 10^?4 and 10^?3 mol L^?1 AR^? as a carrier, respectively. The method was successfully used for determining aluminum in sludge samples and deodorants. The data agree fairly well the nominal values and with results obtain by continuous flow hydride generation inductively coupled plasma (ICP) method.