Synthesis of lariat organochalcogenoethers based on azacalix[3]arenes for the potentiometric detection of [UO2]2+ ions

The syntheses of organochalcogen-supported azacalix[3]arenes are described in a one-pot manner in satisfactory yields. A remarkably selective potentiometric response was accomplished for uranyl ions over a variety of other metal ions, including alkali (Na+, K+), alkaline-earth (Mg2+, Ca2+, Ba2+), transition and heavy metal ions (Co2+, Ni2+, Cu2+, Ag+, Fe3+, Zn2+, Cd2+ and Pb2+) using an ion-selective electrode based on compound 3 incorporated into a polymeric (PVC) membrane.