In order to obtain modified polymeric electrodes, polymers were synthesized that are insoluble in water but soluble in common organic solvents and contain different functional groups that are able to coordinate metal ions from low concentrations. Poly(acrylic acid-co-styrene), poly(acrylamide-co-4-vinyl pyridine), and poly(styrene-co-4-vinyl pyridine) were synthesized by radical polymerization. The copolymers were characterized by FTIR, H-1-NMR, C-13-NMR, scanning electron microscopy, and thermal analysis. The molecular weight and molecular weight distribution were determined by size exclusion chromatography. These complexing polymers were used in the preparation by spin coating of complexing chemically modified electrodes. The polymer film modified electrodes were then tested for the detection of metal ions using the chemical preconcentration and anodic stripping technique. (c) 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.