PARAMAGNETIC POLYMERS

Embodiments of the present disclosure describe a paramagnetic polymer composition comprising a polymer backbone, an ion covalently tethered to the polymer backbone, and a counter-ion, wherein at least one of the ion and counter-ion include one or more of a transition metal and rare-earth metal, wherein the counter-ion electrostatically associates with the tethered ion to form a paramagnetic polymer. Embodiments of the present disclosure further describe a method of forming a paramagnetic polymer comprising associating an ion covalently tethered to a polymer backbone with a counter-ion, wherein at least one of the tethered ion and counter-ion include one or more of a transition metal and rare-earth metal. Embodiments also describe contrast agents based on the paramagnetic polymers.