Phosphate doped polyaniline was synthesized from aqueous phosphoric acid containing aniline by chemical oxidation method using ammonium persulphate as oxidant. The polymer was characterized by UV-vis and FT-IR spectroscopic techniques. Using this polymer, a paint with 1% polyaniline was prepared with epoxy binder. The corrosion resistant property of the polymer containing coating on steel was found out by open circuit potential measurements and electrochemical impedance spectroscopic method in 0.1 N HCl, 0.1 N H3PO4 and 3% NaCl for a duration of 50 days. The coating was able to protect the steel more in 0.1 N H3PO4 and 3% NaCl media than in 0.1 N HCl. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.