Disclosed herein are certain propylene-based metal polymerals and their use in modifying surfaces, and, in general, metal polymerals used in modifying surfaces. In one aspect is a metal polymeryl comprising compounds having the general formula: MR3−nR′n; wherein each R group is a hydrogen or C1 to C10 or C20 alkyl, and each R′ group is selected from propylene-based polymers having an Mn of at least 300 g/mole; n is 1, 2, or 3; and M is a Group 12 or 13 metal, preferably aluminum or zinc; wherein the first portion of the R′ group bound to the metal M is a —CH2CH2— group, and the terminal portion of the R′ group is isobutyl. Surfaces that are modified or “solubilized” include particles of silica or alumina, glass, metal, clay and other hydroxyl-containing materials of all sizes.