We studied the kinetics and mechanism of the charge-transfer polymerization of methyl methacrylate (MMA) initiated with n-butyl amine (BA) and carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) catalyzed by palladium dichloride (PdCl2 or PdII) in a dimethyl sulfoxide medium by using a dilatometric technique at 60 degrees C. The rate of polymerization (Rp) was a function of [MMA], [BA], [CCl4], and [PdII]. The kinetic data indicated a mechanism involving the possible participation of the charge-transfer complex formed between the {BAPdII} complex and CCl4 or monomer in the polymerization of MMA. In the absence of either CCl4 or BA, no polymerization of MMA was observed under these experimental conditions. Rp was inhibited by hydroquinone; this suggested a free-radical initiation. (C) 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012