A high selective voltammetric sensor for Cu(2+) was introduced. Cu(2+) selective molecular imprinted polymers (MIPs) and non-imprinted polymers (NIPs) were synthesized and then used for carbon paste (CP) electrode preparation. The MIP, incorporated in the carbon paste electrode, functioned as selectively recognition element and pre-concentrator agent for Cu(2+) determination. The prepared electrode was used for Cu2+ measurement by the three steps procedure, including analyte extraction in the electrode, electrode washing and electrochemical measurement of Cu(2+). The complete removal of Cu2+ from polymer was confirmed by IR and EDX. The MIP-CP electrode showed very high recognition ability in comparison to NIP-CP. It was shown that electrode washing after Cu(2+) extraction led to enhanced selectivity. Some parameters affecting sensor response were optimized and then a calibration curve plotted. Two dynamic linear ranges of 7.0 x 10(-8) to 1 x 10(-6) mol/1 and 1.0 x 10(-6) to 1 x 10(-4) maul were obtained. The detection limit of the sensor was calculated equal to 2.3 x 10(-8) mol/1. This sensor was used successfully for Cu(2+) determination in Yellow river water. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.