Anodic electroinitiated polymerization of acrylamide has been studied in DMF and DMSO in the presence of Co(NO3)2 or Co(ClO4)2 in the temperature range 25–40°C. The kinetics and mechanism of the process has been investigated as a function of variables and a suitable mechanism proposed. From the experimental observations, the rate of polymerization is seen to be proportional to [AM]1.5, [I]0.5, and [Co2+]1. Current densities exceeding 15 mA/cm2 have no effect on the rates. The average degrees of polymerisation (P̄n) increase with increasing [AM] and decreasing [Co2+] and applied current, I. It has been shown that a monomer‐metal ion complex is oxidized at the anode, generating radical species. The polymerization and termination are confined to the anode compartment. The process is very efficient compared to the NO 3. mediated reaction. Copyright © 1989 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.