The terpolymer resin p-CMF was synthesized by the condensation of p-Cresol (p-C) and Melamine (M) with Formaldehyde (F) in the presence of acid catalyst at 130°C proved to be a selective chelating ion exchange terpolymer for certain matter. The chelating ion-exchange properties of this synthesized terpolymer were studied for different metal ions such at Fe3+, Cu2+, Ni2+, Co2+, Zn2+, Cd2+ and Pb2+. A batch equilibrium method adsorption chromatography 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 terpolymer sample and a solution containing the metal ion. The study was carried out over a wide pH range, shaking time and in media of various ionic strengths. The terpolymer showed a higher selectivity for Fe3+, Cu2+and Ni2+ ions than for Co2+, Zn2+, Cd2+ and Pb2+ ions.
