The synthesis and characterization of cadmium(II)-imprinted poly(1-allyl-2-thiourea-co-ethylene glycol dimethacrylate) particles are presented. Out of four functional monomers viz. allylurea, 1-vinylimidazole, acrylamide, and 1-allyl-2-thiourea, the last one was selected to produce a novel and selective separation material towards cadmium(II) ions. The energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy confirmed the presence of monomer residues in the polymer matrix. The optimization of stoichiometry revealed that the highest binding capacity (3.79 +/- A 0.12 A mu g/g) and selectivity (imprinting factor of 13.68) were achieved when ion to monomer ratio was equal to 1:1. The structure, morphology and selectivity of imprinted polymer were examined. The imprinted particles possess regular, spherical shape and their surface is highly extended (10.31 +/- A 0.14 m(2)/g). The selectivity study towards ions which are present in the real sample showed highest uptake of cadmium(II) ions when compared to lead(II), cobalt(II) or nickel(II) ions with selectivity factors between 2.1 and 2.4.