The present invention relates to a process for synthesizing a rubbery polymer
that comprises copolymerizing at least one conjugated diolefin monomer and at least
one functionalized monomer in an organic solvent at a temperature which is within
the range of 0 C. to about 150 C., wherein the polymerization is initiated
with an anionic initiator, wherein the polymerization is conducted in the absence
of conventional polar modifiers, and wherein the functionalized monomer is of the
structural formula:
##STR1##
wherein the R groups in repeat units and in different repeat units
can be the same or different and represent hydrogen atoms or alkyl groups containing
from 1 to about 4 carbon atoms, wherein x represents an integer from 1 to about
10, and wherein the R groups in repeat units and in different repeat units can
be the same or different and represent alkyl groups containing from 1 to about
10 carbon atoms or alkoxy groups containing from 1 to about 10 carbon atoms.
