N,N'-[1,1'-Dithiobis(phenyl)] bis(salicylaldimine) (DTPS) self-assembled monolayer has been fabricated on a bare gold electrode (Au electrode) as a novel sensor for determination of dopamine. The characterization of Au DTPS self-assembled monolayer modified electrode (DTPS SAM-ME) was investigated by cyclic voltammetry and ac impedance spectroscopy using the[Fe(CN)(6)](-3/-4) redox couple. The electroanalytical determination of dopamine was carried out in pH 6.0 0.1 mol L(-1) phosphate buffer solution using differential pulse voltammetry. The diffusion coefficient of dopamine was calculated by chronocoulometry in pH 6.0 phosphate buffer solution to be 6.6 x 10(-5) cm(2) s(-1). A calibration curve was obtained for dopamine in a linear range of 8.0 x 10(-7) to 1.3 x 10(-4) mol L(-1) in the presence of high concentration of ascorbic acid. Selective detection was realized in elimination of ascorbic acid response on the DTPS SAM-ME. The detection limit for dopamine was found to be 3.0 x 10(-8) mol L(-1). The modified electrode showed acceptable selectivity, stability and anti-fouling properties. The results indicated that the DTPS SAM-ME could be employed for the determination of dopamine in pharmaceutical formulations and plasma samples. The lack of a voltammetric response for the oxidation of uric acid demonstrated that the human urine could be used for dopamine recovery tests with adequate selectivity and precision. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.