The effects of various components in an emulsion polymerization system on the dissociation rate coefficient of persulfate at 50 degrees C are examined using iodometry. Styrene monomer is found to enhance greatly the dissociation. while there is either no effect or possibly a slightly reduced rate of dissociation with methyl methacrylate monomer. The saturated analogues of these monomers (ethylbenzene and methyl isobutyrate) also enhance the dissociation, although not as much as styrene. Thus, such analogues should not be used as model compounds for determining the effect of a monomer on decomposition rate. The presence of metal parts in the reactor (e.g. as part of the agitation system) also could enhance the dissociation. The accelerations are consistent with literature mechanisms involving transfer reactions of aqueous-phase species. These results have significant implication for the interpretation and prediction of entry efficiencies and particle formation rates in emulsion polymerization systems. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.