In this study, transfer reactions of alkali and alkaline-earth metal ions across a micro-water/1,2-dichloroethane (1,2-DCE) interface facilitated by a novel calix[4]arene derivative, 5,11,17,23-tetra-tert-butyl-25,27-bis(2'amino-methylpyridine)-26,28-dihy droxy calix[4]arene (APHC4), were investigated by cyclic and differential pulse voltammetry techniques. Well-defined voltammetric behavior was obtained only for K+ ion among the used metal ions. The electrochemical data were used to determine the stoichiometry and the appropriate association constant of the occurring complex between K+ ion and APHC4. The obtained steady-state voltammograms indicated that the facilitated transfer process occurs with a TIC/TID mechanism according to 1:1 stoichiometry. The logarithm of the association constant (log beta(0)(1)) of K(APHC4)(+) complex in the DCE phase was calculated to be 6.32. Also, the availability of the facilitated transfer for the design of an amperometric screening sensor for K+ ion was evaluated in the range of 50-500 mu mol dm(-3). (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.