This work presents the synthesis and characterization of a new water-soluble oligophenol derivative, 4-(2-hydroxybenzylideneamino)benzenesulfanic acid (OSAL-SA) and its metal complexes. The chemical structure of the water-soluble polymer was characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance (H-1 NMR) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopies and thermogravimetric analyses (TGAs). Pb(II), Cu(II), Co(II) complexes of the polymer were also synthesized in methanol. Characterizations of water insoluble polymer-metal complexes were performed by FTIR, flame atomic absorption spectroscopy, and TGA. he conductivity measurements of OSAL-SA and polymer-metal complexes were carried out by the four-probe technique. (c) 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.