A novel heterocyclic haxacoordinated organotin(Ⅳ) complex, bis (?-vanillin)-semi-ethylenediamine dibenzyltin (VEDBT) was synthesized and used as anion ionophore for PVC membrane electrode; the novel electrode exhibits a linear response towards salicylate and an anti-Hofmeister selectivity pattern with high specificity for salicylate over many common anions, the selective pattern is: Sal-> SCN-> ClO4-> I-> NO2-> NO3-> Cl-≈ Br-> SO42-. The behaviour of the electrode is influenced by the experimental conditions. The response mechanism was also investigated by UV spectroscopy. The electrode was applied to the determination of salicylate in pharmaceutical samples with satisfactory results.
