The electrochemical behavior of p-tert-butyl calix[8]arene has been investigated by cyclic voltammetry. The result shows that there is an irreversible electrochemical oxidative wave when the potential ranges from -0.3 to 1.6 V versus Ag/0.1 M AgNO3 in acetonitrile (Ag/Ag+). At 25 degrees C, the peak potential is ca. 1.43 V (versus Ag/Ag+) at scan rate of 0.05 V s(-1). The number of the electrons transferred in the electrochemical reaction is four. The diffusion coefficient of p-tert-butyl calix[8]arene is 2.8 x 10(-5) cm(2) s(-1). The diffusion activation energy is 12.3 kJ mol(-1). (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.