The chemical copolymers of m-aminobenzene sulfonic acid with O-anisidine (POABSA) and O-toluidine (POTBSA) have been synthesized. Polymers are water soluble and self-doped. The peak in IR spectra at 1100-1160 cm(-1) shows the presence of SO3 group in the polymer backbone. Self-doped copolymers exhibit a strong and wide range of polaron absorption at 772-943 nm in m-cresol, due to the conformational changes induced by polymer solvent interaction. Copolymers also display a strong polaron transition in m-cresol with LiCl. Salt acts as a pseudo-doping agent and extends 'coil-like' conformations. The highest thermal activation is monitored at 70 degreesC, above that temperature (<100 degreesC) overcompensation of thermal activation effect is observed. The electrical conductivity of copolymers is low (10(-4) to 10(-5) S cm(-1)), caused by strong steric effect between SO3 and OMe/Me groups. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.