A novel polymeric ligand having 2,2 0 :6 0 ,2 00 -terpyridine as pendant group was prepared through a Williamson type etherification approach for the reaction between 4 0 -hydroxy-2,2 0 : 6 0 ,2 00 -terpyridine and the commercially available 4-chloromethyl polystyrene. The chelating properties of the new polymer toward the divalent metal ions (Cu 2þ , Zn 2þ , Ni 2þ , and Pb 2þ ) 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 Pb 2þ and that the metal-ion uptake follows the order: Pb 2þ > Cu 2þ > Zn 2þ > Ni 2þ . The adsorption and binding capacity of the resin toward the various metal ions investigated are discussed.