Linear functional copolymers of ethylene with precise and minimum run length distributions and method of making thereof

A linear functional polymer comprising randomly repeating units A, B and D, wherein:

• A represents —CH2—;
• B represents
• wherein R1 represents a polar functional group selected from the group consisting of alkyl ethers having 7 or fewer carbon atoms;
• carboxylic acid;
• sodium carboxylate;
• alkyl esters having 6 or fewer carbon atoms;
• nitrile;
• OSiMe3;
• CO2SiMe3;
• sulfonate;
• alkyl amine having 7 or fewer carbon atoms, amides having 6 or fewer carbon atoms;
• aldehyde;
• alkyl ketones having 7 or fewer carbon atoms, and mixtures of any of the foregoing groups;
• and
• D represents
• wherein there are at least four A units separating each B unit, each D unit, and each B and D unit,
• further wherein when
• the total number of B units, y, is an integer greater than or equal to 1;
• and
• the total number of D units, A, is an integer greater than or equal to 0, then
• the total number of A units, x, is an integer sufficient that the molar fraction of the B and D units in the polymer is represented by a value j defined by the equation:
• j
• =
• y
• +
• h
• x
• +
• y
• +
• h
• ≤
• 0.032
• ;
• and
• wherein each occurrence of a B or D unit is separated by a run length, r, representing the number of A units, wherein each r conforms to an equation selected from the group consisting of:
• r=(e+e)+zd;
• r=(e+f)+zd;
• and
• r=(f+f)+zd,
• wherein z is any integer greater than or equal to 0;
• e and f are predetermined integers greater than or equal to 2;
• and d is a predetermined integer greater than or equal to 4,
• wherein the predetermined integers e and f are derived from a first comonomer
• and the predetermined integer d is derived from a second comonomer
• wherein values of r conforming to all three equations are present in the linear functional polymer, and
• wherein at least one value of r corresponding to a z value of 1 or greater.