Mercury Ion-Selective Electrode With Self-plasticizing Poly(n–buthylacrylate) Membrane Based On 1,2-Bis-(N’–benzoylthioureido)cyclohexane As Ionophore

1,2-bis-(N’-benzoylthioureido)cyclohexane (BTCH), C22H24N4O2S2, was successfully synthesized, characterized by infrared and NMR spectroscopic techniques and supported by X-ray structural studies. The compound was tested for the fabrication of a potentiometric sensor for Hg2+ metal ions. The sensor based on photocurable self-plasticizing poly(n–butylacrylate) membrane with immobilized BTCH as ionophore exhibits linear response in a Nernstian manner within the concentration range of 10-5 - 0.1 M mercury ions. The sensor displays low detection limit with response time between 50 - 100 seconds. The electrode reveals a good selectivity for mercury ion over several other tested cations.