Novel bis (crown ether)-based potassium sensor for biological applications

Based on structure-selectivity studies on bis-benzo-crown ether derivatives, 2,2′-bis[3,4-(15-crown-5)-2-nitrophenylcarbamoxymethyl]tetradecane (BME-44) was designed and synthesized. The performance characteristics of this new, highly lipophilic ionophore of the group of bis-nitrobenzo-15-crown-5 derivatives with urethane linkage when used in liquid membrane electrodes are evaluated with special regard to the requirements of biological and clinical applications. Potentiometric steady-state and flow-through dynamic data are presented to prove the sensor capabilities for clinical and physiological potassium determinations. © 1990 Springer-Verlag