A series of recently synthesized benzo- and pyridine-substituted macrocyclic diamides were studied to characterize their abilities as lead ion carriers in PVC membrane electrodes. The electrode based on 3,15,21-triaza-4,5;13,14-dibenzo-6,9,12-trioxabicycloheneicosa-1,17,19-t riene-2,16-dione exhibits a Nernstian response for Pb2+ ions over a wide concentration range (1.3 x 10(-2) to 3.6 x 10(-6) mol L-1) with a limit of detection of 2.0 x 10(-6) mol L-1 (0.4 ppm). The response time of the sensor is similar to 16 s. and the membrane can be used for more than two months without observing any deviation. The electrode revealed comparatively good selectivities with respect to many cations including alkali earth, transition and heavy metal ions. The proposed sensor could be used in pH range of 3.7-6.5. It was used as an indicator electrode in potentiometric titration of chromate ions with a lead ion solution. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.