Highly Selective Nd(III) Sensors: Novel Macrocyclic Compounds for Potentiometric Determination of Neodymium

Conductometric studies on the complexation properties of two newly synthesized lariat ethers viz 1,5‐di(cyanoethane)‐2,4 : 7,8 : 13,14‐tribenzo‐1,5‐diaza‐9,12‐dioxacyclopentadeca‐2,7,13‐triene (L₁) and 1,5‐di(cyanoethane)‐2,3,4‐pyridine‐7,8 : 13,14‐dibenzo‐1,3,5‐triaza‐9,12‐dioxa cyclopentadeca‐2,7,13‐triene (L₂) towards various metal ions in acetonitrile solutions revealed the formation of 1 : 1 ligand metal complexation. These compounds were explored as neutral ionophores for the fabrication of Nd³⁺ selective and sensitive membrane coated graphite electrodes (CGEs). Among all the electrodes prepared, CGEs with membrane composition L₁(5%) : NaTPB(3%) : NPOE (57%) : PVC (35%) and L₂(5%) : NaTPB(3%) : NPOE (53%) : PVC (39%) showed best performance. Both the electrodes showed Nernstian response towards Nd³⁺ ions over a wide concentration range with detection limits 3.8×10^?8 mol L^?1 and 1.6×10^?8 mol L^?1 respectively. These electrodes showed a fast response time of <15 s and could be used over a period of three months without significant divergence in their characteristics. The proposed electrodes revealed very good selectivity for Nd³⁺ ions over several ions. However, higher concentration of Co²⁺, La³⁺, Pr³⁺ and Yb³⁺ caused some interference. The potentiometric response of these electrodes was excellent in the range of pH 3.5 to 7.6 and they could tolerate up to 20% (v/v) nonaqueous media in the test solutions. These electrodes were used successfully as indicator electrode in the potentiometric titration of Nd³⁺ against EDTA and also in the quantitative determination of Nd³⁺ ions from binary mixtures and water samples.