A method of forming a thermoresponsive polymer. The method begins by mixing in the presence of an organic solvent to form a monomer solution. An initiator is then added to the monomer solution to form a thermoresponsive polymer. In this method, R1 and R4 can be independently selected from the group consisting of H and alkyl groups; R2 and R3 can be independently selected from the group consisting of H, alkyl, olefinic, aromatic, heterocyclic, halogen, ammonium, nitroxides, nitrates, nitrite amides, amines, esters, ethers, carboxylic acids, acyl chlorides, alcohols, nitriles, phosphates, phosphonates, sulfates, sulfonates, sulfide, sulfite, thiol, and combinations thereof; Y can be selected from the group consisting of O, N and S; R5 and R6 can be independently selected from the group consisting of alkyl, olefinic, heterocyclic, halogens, ammonium, carboxylic, amines, esters, amides and combinations thereof; and X are methylene groups from about 0 to about 20 carbons.