Characteristics of a europium-selective electrode based on a calix[4]arene tetraphosphine oxide

Abstract

A poly(vinyl chloride)(PVC) electrode containing a calix[4]arene phosphine oxide [calix-(OCH₂CH₂POPh₂)₄] as the ionophore which is selective for Eu^III in the presence of a high background of Na⁺ and other common ions is described. The selectivity and response of this electrode is compared with that of an electrode incorporating the tetramethyl ester calix[4]arene by injection experiments. Flow injection is also used to demonstrate the selectivity of the tetraphosphine oxide calix[4]arene for europium(III).