This invention discloses a process for the synthesis of a rubbery polymer by emulsion polymerization that comprised polymerizing (1) a conjugated diolefin monomer and (2) a functionalized monomer having the structural formula: wherein the R1 groups can be the same or different and represent hydrogen atoms or alkyl groups containing from 1 to about 8 carbon atoms, wherein R2 represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group containing from 1 to about 8 carbon atoms, wherein R3 represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group containing from 1 to about 8 carbon atoms, and wherein R4 represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group containing from 1 to about 8 carbon atoms, with the proviso that if R3 represent an alkyl group then R4 represents a hydrogen atom, and with the proviso that R4 represents an alkyl group then R3 represents a hydrogen atom, wherein said polymerization is conducted in an aqueous medium, and wherein said polymerization is initiated with a free radical initiator.