Optical, electrical and ion sensing properties of beta-ketoimine calix[4]arene thin films have been investigated. These calix[4]arene derivative films exhibit absorption spectra with a resolved electronic structure in the UV-vis and the energy gap was found to be 3.65 eV. Electrical properties of ITO/beta-ketoimine calix [4]arene/Al devices have been investigated by I-V characteristics and impedance spectroscopy measurements. The conduction is governed by space-charge-limited current (SCLC) mechanism. The impedance spectroscopy study showed a hopping transport process, a typical behavior of disordered materials. The device was modeled by a single parallel resistor and capacitor network in series with a resistance. The beta-ketoimine calix[4]arene was used for the conception of the novel optical chemical sensor and the detection of Cu2+ ions was monitored by UV-visible spectroscopy. The linear dynamic range for the determination of Cu2+ has been 10(-5)-10(-3.7) M with a detection limit of 10(-5) M. The characteristics of this optode such as regeneration, repeatability, reproducibility, short-term stability, life time and ion selectivity have been discussed. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.