The polymerization of ethylene sensitized by the thermal decomposition of ethyl iodide in the presence of mercury vapor has been studied at 250°, 275°, and 300 °C. C14-labelled ethyl iodide was used in a number of experiments. The increase in the rate of decomposition of ethyl iodide in the presence of ethylene and the formation of butyl iodide are accounted for by equilibrium processes of the type RI + Hg = R + HgI. The important features of the reaction were established from the identity, quantity, and activity of the various products. The predominant formation of olefins is attributed to the isomerization and decomposition of large radicals. Very little of the butane is formed by the combination of ethyl radicals. Radical disproportionation is the most important chain termination step.