Former studies of decomposition of the title alkylcobalt(III)-tridentate Schiff base complexes (RCo) in acidic media have been extended to neutral and alkaline aqueous solutions including micellar ones. In combination, results of both the works indicate a common reaction mechanism, with homolysis of the Co-C bond preceded by substitution of extra ligand(s) with water molecules. Both protons and hydroxyl ions catalyze the latter aquation step after the conventional pattern of acid-base catalysis. Effect of surfactants on the reaction rate has been explained by electrostatic and hydrophilic/hydrophobic interactions between the cationic complexes and other components of micelles formed. On these bases, the use of RCo, which had been formerly proved to be advanced pH-dependent initiators of emulsion polymerization in acidic to neutral media, was extended to alkaline ones. Namely, the emulsion polymerization of styrene was shown to proceed at pH 7 to 13 in the presence of surfactants of any type up to high conversions, but did so, ceteris paribus, much slower than in acidic media. Polystyrene with molecular mass as high as 12 x 10(6) was thus obtained at pH 9-10. The effect of pH on the rate of emulsion polymerization as well as on characteristics of its products was related to the corresponding rates of decomposition of RCo as well as to stability of emulsion systems and polar interactions in the adsorption layer.