A number of double-armed calix[4]arene amide derivatives (1-7) have been tested as the neutral ionophores for lead ion-selective electrodes. The electrodes based on ionophores 1-7 except 5, 6 with dioctyl phthalate (DOP) as a plasticizer exhibit a close theoretical Nernstian response for Pb2+ over a relatively wide concentration range (1 x 10(-6)-1 x 10(-1) M), a fast response time (< 15 s), at least two months lifetime and good selectivity towards alkali, alkaline earth and some common transition metal ions. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.