A noble self-dopable conjugated polybetaine, poly [2-ethynyt-N-(4-sulfobutyl)pyridinium betaine] (PESPB) was synthesized by the activated polymerization of 2-ethynylpyridine with 1,4-butanesultone without any additional initiator or catalyst. This polymerization proceeded at the condition of high temperature (130 degreesC). The polymer yield and inherent viscosity were 82% and 0.13 dl/ g, respectively. The chemical structure of PESPB was identified by various instrumental methods to have a conjugated ionic polymer bearing the sulfobetaine moieties. This poly(sulfobetaine) was found to be more soluble in salt solution than in salt-free solution. The photoluminescence peak is located at 530 nm corresponding to the photon energy of 2.34 eV. The photoluminescence intensity was increased as the temperature is increased. At 1 kHz and room temperature, the dielectric constant and electrical conductivity of PESPB were 5.7 and 3.5 x 10(-9) S/cm, respectively. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.