Abstract: The present invention relates to polymeric iron chelators based upon hydroxamic acids having the general formula: ##STR1## wherein R is hydrogen or lower alkyl. The present compound is useful for the treatment of iron overload disorders particularly arising from iron poisoning and the disease .beta.-thalassemia otherwise known as Cooley's Anemia. The polymeric hydroxamic acids of the present invention exhibit high selectivity for iron, good water solubility for both the chelator and its iron complex, low toxicity and, most significantly, increased bioactivity, i.e., the ability to remove iron in vivo.