A novel polymeric ligand having 2,2':6',2-terpyridine as pendant group was prepared through a Williamson type etherification approach for the reaction between 4'-hydroxy-2,2': 6',2-terpyridine and the commercially available 4-chloromethyl polystyrene. The chelating properties of the new polymer toward the divalent metal ions (Cu2+, Zn2+, Ni2+, and Pb2+) in aqueous solutions was studied by a batch equilibration technique as a function of contact time, pH, mass of resin, and concentration of metal ions. The amount of metal-ion uptake of the polymer was determined by using atomic absorption spectrometry. Results of the study revealed that the resin exhibited higher capacities and a more pronounced adsorption toward Pb2+ and that the metal-ion uptake follows the order: Pb2+ > Cu2+ > Zn2+ > Ni2+. The adsorption and binding capacity of the resin toward the various metal ions investigated are discussed. (C) 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012