The polymerization of acrylonitrile (M), initiated by the free radicals formed in situ in the Ce (IV)-sucrose redox system, was studied in aqueous sulfuric acid medium under nitrogen atmosphere in the temperature range of 30-608C. . The rate of Ceric ion disappearance and the rate of polymerization R p have been measured. The effects of some water-miscible organic solvents, surfactants, ionic strength, and complexing agents on the rate of polymerization were investigated. The temperature-dependence of the rate was studied and the activation parameters were computed using the Arrhenius and Eyring plots. A mechanism consistent with the experimental data, involving Ce(IV)-sucrose complex formation, which generates free radicals, is suggested. The chain termination step of the polymerization reaction was determined.