The reverse atom transfer radical polymerization (RATRP) technique using CuCl2/bipyridine (bipy) complex as a catalyst was applied to the living radical polymerization of methyl methacrylate (MMA). A hexa-substituted ethane thermal iniferter, diethyl 2,3-dicyano-2,3-diphenylsuccinate (DCDPS), was used as the initiator in this copper-based reverse ATRP initiation system. The reversible dissociation nature of DCDPS gives a more suitable amount of primary radical than formerly used conventional initiators, such as AIBN. High molecular weight and narrow molecular weight distribution (M-w/M-n approximate to 1.20) of the resulting PMMA was obtained in bulk and in solution polymerization at 85 degreesC. End-group analysis result by H-1-NMR spectroscopy shows that the polymer obtained is omega -functionalized by a chlorine group, which can be used as macroinitiator for chain extension and block copolymerization with a conventional ATRP catalyst.