An organotellurium compound of the formula (1) is useful as a living radical polymerization initiator and makes possible precision control of molecular weights and molecular weight distributions under mild conditions ##STR00001## wherein R.sup.1 is C.sub.1-C.sub.8 alkyl, R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 are each a hydrogen atom or C.sub.1-C.sub.8 alkyl, and R.sup.4 is aryl, substituted aryl, aromatic heterocyclic group, hydroxycarbonyl or cyano.