Abstract: The frequency shift response characteristics for pyridine vapour by thickness shear-mode (TSM) acoustic wave sensors coated with three synthesized calix[4]arenes have been reported. It is shown that C-undecylcalix[4]resorcinarene(CUCRA) is the most efficient host-guest adsorptive material for sensing pyridine molecule. The CUCRA based TSM sensor possesses good reproducibility, high stability and short response time with a good linear determination range of 0.040～8.000 mg/Land a low detection limit down to 0.008 mg/Lof pyridine vapour while coating with 38 μg of CUCRA. The sensitivity is (54.63±2.35) Hz/(mg·L^-1)(n =5, 25℃). There are some interference from alcohols, amines, carboxylic acid, heterocyclic and aromatic compounds. Compared with gas chromatographic method, the sensor can be used for the determination of pyridine vapour with recovery rate of 98.10%-103.92%.

Key words: Calix[4] arene, Host-guest recognition, TSM acoustic wave sensor, Pyridine vapour