Calcium-selective electrode based on a calix[4]arene tetraphosphine oxide

A new ligand capable of producing calcium-selective electrodes with excellent characteristics is presented. The ligand (1) is a calix[4]arene bearing phosphine oxide ligating groups on the lower rim and this is the first report that such ligands can discriminate in favour of calcium ions against magnesium ions and the alkali metal ions. This calcium selectivity is in complete contrast to the behaviour of the well-known calix[4]arene tetraester derivatives (such as 2) which are selective for sodium against other alkali metal ions and group II ions. Electrodes based on PVC membranes incorporating ligand 1 display almost nernstian slopes and excellent selectivity against common interferants, including magnesium (log K(Ca,Mg)(pot)). The electrodes have demonstrated effective lifetimes of at least 7 weeks (duration of the study) and very fast response times.