The transfer of alkali and alkaline-earth metal ions facilitated by a calix[4]arene derivative, 25,27-di [(2-ethoxy)benzaldehyde]-26,28-dihydroxy-5,11,17,23-tetra(tert-butyl) calix[4]arene (DBC4), across a water/1,2-dichloroethane (1,2-DCE) micro-interface supported at the tip of a micropipette was investigated. The well-defined voltammetric behavior was obtained only for Na(+) ion among the used metal ions by using the electrochemical methods. The measurements were performed when the bulk concentration of Na(+) ion in the aqueous phase is much higher than that of DBC4 in the organic phase, and vice versa. The diffusion coefficient of DBC4 in the DCE phase was calculated to be equal to (4.2 +/- 0.2) x 10(-6) cm(2) s(-1). The logarithm of the association constant of DBC4-Na(+) complex having 1:1 stoichiometry in 1,2-DCE was determined as 3.99. The differential pulse voltammetry was used for amperometric detection of Na(+) ion in chloride medium. The results show that DBC4 can be used for many analytical applications such as ion recognition and fabrication of electrochemical sensor for Na(+) ion because of its good selectivity. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.