In this paper the sorption behavior of Yb(Ⅲ) onto the macroporous phosphonic acid resin (MPAR) is reported.Experimental results show that the statically saturated sorption capacity is 328 mg/g·resin;Yb(Ⅲ) adsorbed on MPAR can be eluted by 1mol·L -1 HCl,elution percentage is 91.5%.The apparent rate constant is k 298 = 4.63×10 -5 s -1 .The sorption behavior of MPAR for Yb(Ⅲ) abides the Freundlich isotherm.The themodynamic parameter of sorption:enthalpy change ΔH for Yb(Ⅲ) is 50.4kJ·mol -1 .The coordination molar ratio of the functional group of MPAR to Yb(Ⅲ) is 3∶1.The bondforming conditions of MPAR for Yb(Ⅲ) is examined by IR spectrometry.