Drag reduction of asphaltenic crude oils

A process, comprising:

• a) obtaining a first batch of monomers selected from the group consisting of acrylates with side alkyl chains having four or less carbons, methacrylates with side alkyl chains having four or less carbons and combinations thereof;
• b) obtaining a second batch of monomers selected from the group consisting of acrylates with side alkyl chains having greater than four carbons, methacrylates with side alkyl chains having greater than four carbons and combinations thereof;
• c) preparing a mixture comprising the first batch of monomers and the second batch of monomers wherein the second batch is greater than 50% by weight of the mixture;
• and
• d) polymerizing the mixture to produce an ultra high molecular weight polymer wherein the drag reducing polymer is capable of imparting drag reducing properties in hydrocarbons flowing in a pipeline.