The selective recognition of the orthophosphate anion by a series of bifunctional Lewis acidic organotin compounds is investigated. The binding affinity of these carriers to anions, as measured by NMR titrations in CH 2 Cl 2 obeyed the potentiometric selectivity order phosphate b sulfate b perchlorate, and provided the corresponding complex-formation constants. More accurate calculations of these values were obtained by the segmented-sandwich-membrane method performed directly inside the liquid polymeric membrane. These carriers were also studied potentiometrically in polymeric liquid membranes. The results indicate that (PhBr 2 Sn) 2 CH 2 is 2 to 5 orders of magnitude more selective towards phosphate over other oxoanions. These results set the ground for the development of a new series of highly selective anions carriers with a wide range of possible applications.Introduction. ± The design of a phosphate-selective carrier for applications in ionselective electrodes (ISEs) [1 ± 3] is not an easy task for various reasons. Phosphate, in contrast to other oxoanions such as perchlorate, nitrate, carbonate, or even sulfate, is very hydrophilic [4 ± 5]. Additionally, it is large (PO 4 3À : 238 pm [6]), with a charge and chemical structure highly dependent on the pH. Its tetrahedral structure requires the use of a large, multifunctional substrate able to achieve a significant but reversible coordination. It is clear that, for a successful chemical recognition, the carrier used must have the following characteristics: appropriate topography, at least 2 ligation sites, and a labile interaction with the phosphate active sites (O-or H-atoms). Only under these conditions can complexation capable of overcoming the high-energy barrier of the phosphate transfer from the aqueous to organic phase be developed. Additionally, if these carriers are to be used in chemical sensors, the overall partitioning of the phosphate anion into the sensor-membrane phase should be larger than that of the other anions.