Sorption of a high molecular weight quaternary ammonium salt, didecylaminoethyl-β-tridecylammonium iodide (DDATD) on different types of sorbents was investigated. The nature of reagent adsorption on silica gel was examined by spectroscopic and computer methods. The sorption of anionic metal complexes of cobalt, copper, zinc and manganese on silica gel modified with DDATD was studied. The possibility of recovery of cobalt and copper thiocyanate complexes and their further atomic absorption determination is shown. Modified sorbent was applied to cobalt chemiluminescence and determined in natural water and a nickel preparation (detection limit, 2 μg/l.).