Dopamine-selective potentiometric responses by new ditopic sensory elements based on a hexahomotrioxacalix[3]arene

New ditopic sensory elements 2 and 3 for catecholamines based on a hexahomotrioxacalix[3]arene, with a boronic acid substituent appended, were designed and synthesized. As an interesting mode of molecular recognition at membrane surfaces, the host, when incorporated into poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) liquid membranes, displayed excellent potentiometric selectivity for dopamine over other catecholamines (noradrenaline and adrenaline) and inorganic cations (Na+, K+, and NH4+).

Graphical abstractNew ditopic sensory elements 2 and 3 for catecholamines were desined. Host 3 displayed high potentiometric selectivity for dopamine over other catecholamines (noradrenaline, adrenaline) and inorganic cations (Na+, K+, and NH4+).Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide