High molecular weight polyacrylamides were synthesized and successfully modified to contain up to 8·3% hydroxamate functional groups. The selective flocculation tests carried out on 1:1 iron oxide/kaolin mixtures using parent polyacrylamide, polyacrylic acid and the modified polyacrylamide, confirm the possibility of enhancing selectivity through introduction of iron chelating functional groups in commercially available polymers. Starting with a feed grade of 35% iron, 92% recovery with acceptable grade of 60% iron has been achieved using the modified polyacrylamide.