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.