Process for preparing polymeric dispersants having alternating polyalkylene and succinic groups

A process for preparing an oligomeric copolymer of an unsaturated acidic reactant and a high molecular weight olefin having a sufficient number of carbon atoms such that the resulting copolymer is soluble in lubricating oil and wherein at least 20 weight percent of the total olefin comprises an alkylvinylidene isomer, which process comprises reacting the high molecular weight olefin with the unsaturated acidic reactant in the presence of a free radical initiator and a solvent which comprises the reaction product of an unsaturated acidic reactant and a high molecular weight olefin having about 32 carbon atoms or greater.