A 2,2'-dihydroxybiphenyl-formaldehyde copolymer, synthesized by the condensation of 2,2'-dihydroxybipbenyl with CH2O in the presence of an acid catalyst, proved to be a selective chelating ion-exchange copolymer for certain metals. The chelating ion-exchange properties of this copolymer were studied for Fe(III), Cu(II), Ni(II), Zn(II), Cd(II), and Pb(II) ions. A batch equilibrium method was employed in the study of the selectivity of metal ion uptake, involving the measurements of the distribution of a given metal ion between the copolymer sample and the solution containing the metal ion. The study was carried out over a wide pH range and in media of various ionic strengths. The copolymer showed a higher selectivity for Fe(III), Cu(II), and Ni(IT) ions than for Co(II), Zn(II), Cd(II), and Pb(II) ions. (c) 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.