New poly(ionic liquids) were synthesized by a two stage polymer analogous reaction. In the first stage, the reactive maleic anhydride groups of the starting polymer were converted with 1-(3-aminopropyl)imidazole. The second stage comprises an alkylation reaction of the imidazole groups with various alkylbromides. This approach allowed tailoring of the polymer properties to a large extent. With the degree of conversion, the number of reactive groups remaining in the polymer could be adjusted. The possibility to preserve reactive groups opens new applications of the poly(ionic liquid) s as reactive blend components. As an example, reactive mixtures with bromobutyl rubber were prepared which exhibited pronounced self-healing properties. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.