Lipophilic dibenzo-16-crown-5 compounds with amide-containing side arms attached to the central carbon atom of the three-carbon bridge in the polyether ring have been applied as neutral carriers for sodium ion-selective field-effect transistors (Na+-ISFET's). ISFET's based on these lariat ether amides exhibit excellent Na+/K+ selectivities (K-Na,K(Pot) = 7 X 10(-3)) and Na+/H+ selectivities (K-Na,H(Pot) = 3 x 10(-3)) with good selectivities for Na+ over other alkali metal cations and alkaline-earth metal cations. High sensor durability was obtained for these ISFET's.