| abstract |
The present invention is directed to a process for preparing a polymeric amide which comprises the steps of: (A) reacting a mixture of (i) functionalized hydrocarbon polymer containing ester functional groups comprising at least one member selected from the group consisting of substituted alkyl ester functional groups, the substituted alkyl moiety containing at least one electron withdrawing substituent group, and aryl ester functional groups, the hydrocarbon polymer having a number average molecular weight of at least about 500 prior to functionalization, and (ii) an amine having at least one reactive -NH2 moiety, for a time and under conditions sufficient to form amide groups; and (B) removing from the mixture during step (A) hydroxyl compound released from the ester functional groups in forming the amide groups. The polymeric amides so produced are useful as fuel additives (e.g., detergents) and lubricating oil additives (e.g., dispersants). |