The high sorption capacity of basic alumina for tetracycline hydrochloride is utilized for the separation of metal ions on the basis of ligand exchange. Tetracyclines are powerful chelating agents. Break-through capacity and rate of sorption have been studied. The distribution coefficients of 11 metal ions have been determined in demineralised water and in five different pH systems. On the basis of differences in Kd values some quantitative separations of metal ions have been achieved.