Abstract: A process for catalyzing heterogeneous ionic organic reactions in a system of multiple liquid phases in which at least two of the reactants are each located in a different phase with respect to the other, the phases containing such reactants differing in polarity. Catalysis is effected by introducing to the system one of certain organic quaternary salts which are more soluble in the least polar reactant-containing phase than in the other reactant-containing phases. The quaternary salt catalysts utilized have the general structural formula (AM).sup.+X.sup.- where A is an organic portion of the salt molecule bonded to M by four covalent linkages, and preferably comprises a plurality of hydrocarbon radicals of either monovalent or polyvalent character, M is selected from the group consisting of nitrogen, phosphorus, arsenic, antimony and bismuth, and X.sup.- is an anion which will dissociate from the cation (AM).sup.

Abstract: A polymerization catalyst consisting of a cupric salt, a copper chelating agent, and a cyanide salt is disclosed for polymerizing vinyl monomers. Such a catalyst system is less hazardous than are the persulfate and peroxide catalysts; the molecular weight of the polymer is higher under comparable polymerization conditions; and the catalyst is not consumed by certain impurities which react with the prior art catalyst.