Hg 2+ ‐Selective Membrane Potentiometric Sensor Based on a Recently Synthesized Mercapto Compound

A new PVC membrane electrode for Hg(II) ion based on a recently synthesized mercapto compound of 2‐benzoylamino‐3‐(4‐chloro‐phenyl)‐thioacrylic acid S ‐(2‐mercapto‐4‐methyl‐phenyl) ester is reported. The electrode exhibits a Nernstian response for Hg 2+ ions over a wide concentration range (2.0×10 −7 –3.0×10 −2  M) with a slope of 29 (±1). The limit of detection is 5.0×10 −8  M. The proposed sensor revealed good selectivities over a wide variety of other cations include hard and soft metals. This electrode could be used in a pH range of 1.0–4.0. It was used as an indicator electrode in potentiometric titration of mercury(II) ions and can be used in the direct determination of Hg 2+ in aqueous solutions.