Neutral bidentate organophosphorus compounds as novel ionophores for potentiometric membrane sensors for barium(II)

Bis(diarylphosphine oxide) naphthalene compounds are used as novel ionophores in plasticized poly(vinyl chloride) matrix membrane sensors for barium ions. The most favorable sensor was 1,2-bis(diethylphenylphosphine oxide)naphthalene containing potassium tetrakis(4-chlorophenyl)borate as lipophilic salt and o-nitrophenyloctyl ether as plasticizer for ion-selective electrode membrane construction. The electrode showed excellent properties. It gave a linear response with a Nernstian slope of 30 mV per decade within the concentration range 10(-1)-10(-5) mol L(-1) BaCl2. The electrode exhibits a high selectivity towards Ba2+ with respect to Li+, Na+, K+, Rb+, Cs+, NH4+, Ag+, Mg2+, Ca2+, Sr2+, Mn2+, Fe2+, Co2+, Ni2+, Cu2+, Zn2+, Cd2+, Pb2+, Al3+, La3+, and Ce3+ ions. The electrode response was stable over a wide pH range (3-11). The lifetime of the electrode was about 2 months. It was successfully applied to the determination of Ba2+ contents in some rocks.