The present invention relates to a substantially gel-free sealant or adhesive compound comprising butyl-type polymer without any conjugated aliphatic diene in its composition having an average molecular weight M.sub.n of more than 20,000 g/mol and containing less than 15 wt. % of solid matter insoluble in boiling cyclohexane under reflux for 60 min. In another of its aspects, the present invention relates to a self-supporting shaped article comprising said compound optionally layered on or interposed between one or more supporting means. In still another of its aspects, the present invention relates to a tape comprising said substantially gel-free compound optionally layered on or interposed between one or more supporting means. In still another of its aspects, the present invention relates to an adhesive composition comprising said substantially gel-free compound. In still another of its aspects, the present invention relates to a sealant composition comprising said substantially gel-free compound.