Phosphorated calix[6]arene derivatives as an ionophore for atropine-selective membrane electrodes

37,40-bis-[(diethoxy-thiophosphoryl)oxy]-5,11,17, 23,29,35-hexakis(1,1 -dimethyl-ethyl)-calix[6]arene-8,39,41,42-tetrol; 37,38,39,40,41-pentakis-(di-ethoxythiophosphoryl)-oxy]-5,11,17,23,29,35-hexakis (1,1-dimethylethyl)-calix[6]-arene-42-ol; and 37-[(diethoxythiophosphoryl)oxy]-5,11,17,23,29,35-hexakis-(1,1dimethylethyl)-calix[6]arene-38,39,40, 41,42-pentol were introduced as neutral ionophores for atropine-selective electrodes. Practical Nernstian responses were found (54.3, 49.1, and 50.8 mV/decade) for polyvinyl chloride membrane electrodes incorporating these compounds. They exhibited practical linear ranges of 1.9 x 10(-6)-7.9 x 10(-3), 7.9 x 10(-6)-7.9 x 10(-3), and 6.3 x 10(-6)-7.9 x 10(-3) M, respectively. The optimum pH range was 2.5-8.5. The selectivity coefficient values were estimated and interpreted. The electrode performance was correlated to the calixarene structure. Then, the electrode was applied to an actual analysis of pharmaceutical atropine preparations. The recovery values of 18.7 microg/mL-5.5193 mg/mL atropine sulfate were 97.5-99.1%. The corresponding relative standard deviation values ranged between 0.39-0.72% for 5 determinations. The first electrode was applied successfully for analyzing atropine sulfate in injection solution and eye drops.