The acid-base and complexing properties of tributyl [aminotris(methylenephosphonic acid)] (H3L) with divalent metals were investigated in aqueous solution via the potentiometric titration method. The formation of 1:1 species partially protonated [MH2L] and totally deprotonated [ML-] as well as hydroxo species [M(OH)L2-] has been established. [GRAPHICS] .