Copolymers having General Formula (I): in which R1 is chosen from divalent C4-C7 aliphatic groups and divalent C4-C7 heteroaliphatic groups, optionally substituted with one or more C1-C6 aliphatic groups, heteroatoms independently chosen from O, N, and S, or combinations thereof, where: the divalent C4-C7 heteroaliphatic groups include one or two heteroatoms independently chosen from O, N, and S, and the maximum number of heteroatoms in R1 is two; x is a molar fraction range chosen from 0.05 to 0.95; and y is a molar fraction range chosen from 0.05 to 0.95, where the summation of x and y equals 1. Methods for inhibiting formation of clathrate hydrates in a fluid capable of forming the clathrate hydrates. The methods include contacting the fluid with at least one copolymer of General Formula (I) under conditions suitable for forming the clathrate hydrates.