Abstract: Novel fluorogenic and chromogenic three-dimensional ionophores are provided which selectively bond ions such as potassium, sodium, and lithium, even in neutral aqueous or alcohol media. The novel ionophores comprise an "ion-recognizing system" fused to a "signal-moiety" through one or more heteroatoms having a non-bonded electron pair. The signal-moieties are selected from the group consisting of fused ring heterocyclics, fused aromatics, and subsituted aromatics having at least one nitro or azo moiety. The ion-recognizing system is a three-dimensional cryptand. The ionophores are ideal for the selective and direct termination of ions in biological or environmental samples and the like.

Abstract: Novel fluorogenic and chromogenic three-dimensional ionophores are provided which selectively bond ions such as potassium, sodium, and lithium, even in neutral aqueous or alcohol media. The novel ionophores comprse an "ion-recognizing system" fused to a "signal-moiety" through one or more heteroatoms having a non-bonded electron pair. The signal-moieties are selected from the group consisting of fused ring heterocyclics, fused aromatics, and substituted aromatics having at least one nitro or azo moiety. The ion-recognizing system is a three-dimensional cryptand. The ionophores are ideal for the selective and direct termination of ions in biological or environmental samples and the like.

Abstract: Novel fluorogenic ionophores have been synthesized which selectively bind ions such as potassium and sodium, even in neutral aqueous and alcoholic media and respond to such binding by fluorescence quenching or enhancement. These ionophores are ideal for the selective and direct determination of ions in biological or environmental samples and the like. The ionophores are also suitable for incorporation into fiber optic-based sensors for the continuous in vivo or in vitro monitoring of metal ions in blood or other biological fluids.

Abstract: A method of rotationally molding a multi-layered article. The outer layer is first rotationally molded and solidified. An inner polymer layer is fed into the mold cavity and an inner layer is rotationally molded to the inner surface of the outer layer. Preferably, the outer layer and inner layer are thermoplastics. The outer layer polymer has a melting point higher than the inner layer polymer. The outer layer is rotationally molded and cooled to below its melt temperature but above the melt temperature of the inner layer polymer. The inner layer is then rotationally molded while the outer layer remains solid.