The metal extractive properties of poly-4-vinyl pyridine, prepared in the free base form, were studied for Cu2+, Ni2+, Co2+, Zn2+ and Cd2+ in chloride solutions. The efficiency of metal extraction depended on the pH and composition of the solutions. For maximum metal extraction, the optimum initial pH of the solution was found to be within the range of 0.8 to 1.2 for W(R)/V ratios of 45 000-50 000 mg dm-3. The metal extractive power of the resin was found to increase as the metal chloride concentration of the solution was increased. A similar effect was found with all resin-active metals when experiments were carried out in solutions containing high concentrations of KCl.