Lead ion selective electrodes from dibenzo-18-crown-6 derivatives: An exploratory study

Abstract

Dibenzo-18-crown-6 (DB18C6) and three of its derivatives (-COCH3, -Br, -NO2), are investigated via Density Functional Theoretical (DFT) modelling, Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) and absorption spectroscopies, Differential Pulse Anodic Stripping (DPASV), Cyclic (CV) and Square Wave (SWV) voltammetries, as possible materials for preparing plasticiser free lead(II) ion selective electrodes. The spontaneous, entropy driven, interactions between lead(II) ions and DB18C6 derivatives are such that they form 1:1 complexes via coordination with the high electron density open ether cavity, except for the brominated derivative where the metal: ligand stoichiometry is 2:1 due to exo-cavity coordination via the high electron density bromine atoms. Monolayers resulting from electropolymerization of some derivatives (-H, -COCH3, -Br) and chemisorption of the -NO2 derivative, allows quantification of lead(II) ions at concentrations below 10 mg L−1 with minimal interference from other metal ions except Hg2+ and Al3+.