Interactions between metal ions and chitosan in solution were studied by spectroscopic and viscometric measurements. $Cu^{++}$-chitosan complex exhibited an absorption band at 265 nm, whereas D-glucosamine complex showed one at 245 nm. The difference in ${lambda}_{max}$ was attributed to the different amine to $Cu^{2+}$ ratios of the complexes, that is, 2 : 1 for chitosan and 1 : 1 for D-glucosamine. The molar absorptivities and binding constants of the complexes were evaluatatled. The binding of $Cu^{2+}$ to chitosan was cooperative near pH 5, and both intra- and intermolecular chelations depending on chitosan and $Cu^{2+}$concentrations were observed, The intermolecular chelation was stabilized by addition of salts. The cooperative intermolecular chelation of $Ni^{++}$<TEX> was also observed at pH 6.2. No significant binding of other divalent ions was observed. The reported high adsorption abilities of chitosan particles for these ions were attributed to the deposition of metal hydroxide aggregates in pores of chitosan particles rather than chelation to amine groups.