Calix[4]arene derived tetraester receptors modified at their wide rim by polymerizable groups

The synthesis of calix[4]arene tetraester ionophores containing polymerizab le groups at their wider rim is reported. Calixarene monomers with one or t wo methacrylamide groups were copolymerized with methyl methacrylate, yield ing linear polymers with pendant calixarene groups or crosslinked polymers. Extraction studies with the soluble copolymers and with the corresponding pivalamides as model compounds showed no difference in the extraction abili ty and selectivity. Potentiometric measurements of membrane electrodes prep ared with the polymeric calixarene ionophores indicated that the high selec tivity, the slope of the response curve and the low detection limit of memb ranes containing non-bonded calixarene ionophores are retained while the li fetime of the polymeric membranes is increased.