Abstract This paper describes the syntheses and characterization of chelating resins, 2-hydroxy-4-methoxyacetophenone-formaldehyde (I) and 2-hydroxy-4-methoxyacetophenone oxime-formaldehyde (II). The number-average molecular weights have been determined by vapor pressure osmometry and nonaqueous conductometric titration methods. Metal chelates of the resins with Co(II), Ni(II) and Cu(II) were prepared. Elemental analysis of the chelates indicates a metal-to-ligand ratio of 1:2. The diffuse reflectance spectra and magnetic moments of Ni(II) and Co(II) chelates show a tetrahedral structure whereas Cu(II) chelate shows a square planar structure. Infrared spectral study show that the metal ions are coordinated through the oxygen of carbonyl group in I or nitrogen of the oximino group in II, and through the oxygen of the phenolic hydroxyl group. The presence of methylene bridges in the resins is also indicated by IR spectral studies.