AbstractThe effect of different additives on the aqueous polymerization of acrylamide, initiated by MnO −4‐oxalic acid redox pair, was studied at 25°C in an atmosphere of nitrogen. It was observed that the rate of polymerization increased in the presence of alkali metal (Li+to Rb+) chlorides. Cupric chloride and ferric chloride were found to be polymerization retarders. Anionic and cationic detergents showed marked influence on the rate of polymerization. Also, the presence of water‐soluble alcohols lowered the polymerization rates to a sufficien