This invention discloses a rubbery polymer which is comprised of repeat
units that are derived from (1) at least one conjugated diolefin monomer,
and (2) 0.1 weight percent to 2 weight percent of at least one monomer
having the structural formula: ##STR00001## wherein R represents an
alkyl group containing from 1 to about 10 carbon atoms or a hydrogen
atom, wherein R' represents a methyl group or a hydrogen atom, with the
proviso that if R represents an alkyl group then R' represents a hydrogen
atom, wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 can be the same or different, wherein
R.sup.1 represents an alkyl group that is functionalized with a leaving
group, wherein R.sup.2 represents a moiety selected from the group
consisting of hydrogen atoms, alkyl groups containing from 1 to 18 carbon
atoms, aryl groups containing from 6 to 18 carbon atoms, alkaryl groups
containing from 7 to 18 carbon atoms, and alkyl groups that are
functionalized with a leaving group, wherein the rubbery polymer is void
of moieties containing tertiary amine groups, and wherein the rubbery
polymer is void of repeat units which are derived from
.alpha.,.beta.-olefinically unsaturated amides.