Inhibition of impurities formation in the synthesis of N-alkyltheobromines stimulated by microwave irradiation. Cationic and anionic response of membrane electrodes

N-Alkyltheobromine (1-9) derivatives were obtained by reacting theobromine with appropriate alkyl halide under microwave irradiation at 100-150 W and by conventional synthesis. Formation of by-products of oxygen atom alkylation and 1-N-alkyltheobromine ring opening were considered. The presented compounds 1-5 have been studied as ion carriers in ion-selective membrane electrodes. Selectivity of these membranes was studied towards various anions in addition to transition and heavy metal cations. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT: Alkylations of theobromine under microwave irradiation at 100-150 W and by conventional synthesis were performed. Formation of by-products of oxygen atom alkylation and 1-N-alkyltheobromine ring opening were observed. The achieved compounds have been studied as ion carriers in ion-selective membrane electrodes.