Synthesis and electrochemical properties of a novel calix[4]arene derivative for facilitated transfer of alkali metal ions across water/1,2-dichloroethane micro-interface

The alkali metal ion transfers facilitated by a novel calix[4]arene derivative (OPEC) across the water/1,2-dichloroethane (1,2-DCE) micro-interface supported at the tip of a micropipette were presented. The well-defined voltammetric behaviours except Cs+ was obtained by cyclic voltammetry and differential pulse voltammetry. The bulk concentration of metal ions was much higher than that of OPEC in the performed measurements. The diffusion coefficient of OPEC in the 1,2-DCE phase was calculated as 5.18 ± 0.70 × 10− 6 cm2 s− 1. On the basis of the changes of the half-wave transfer potentials, the logarithms of the association constants having 1:1 ionophore–ion complex stoichiometry for Li+, Na+, K+ and Rb+ in 1,2-DCE were determined as 4.80, 4.62, 4.98 and 5.32, respectively. The facilitated ion transfers were also evaluated by the Randles equivalent circuit used for ac-impedance data analysis.