In this study, a new phase transfer catalyst has been synthesized and characterized, which is used for the study of kinetics and mechanism of the free radical polymerization of ethyl methacrylate. The reactions were carried out using peroxodisulfate as initiator in inert and unstirred condition at 60 degrees C +/- 1 degrees C. The order with respect to monomer, initiator, and catalyst were found to be 1, 0.7, and 0.5, respectively. The rate of polymerization is independent of ionic strength and pH. Based on the results obtained, a mechanism has been proposed for the polymerization reactions. (C) 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 113: 637-643, 2009