Abstract: This invention is directed to quaternary compounds of the formula ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 represents an aliphatic hydrocarbon radical of from about 1 to 21 carbon atoms; R.sup.2 represents hydrogen or has the same meaning as R.sup.1, the total number of carbon atoms in R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 being from 6 to 22, and, when R.sup.2 is hydrogen, R.sup.1 has from 6 to 21 carbon atoms; R.sup.3 represents an alkyl or hydroxyalkyl group having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms or a radical of formula ##STR2## wherein R and R are devined above, X and Y are each either hydrogen or a methyl group, with the proviso that X and Y cannot both be a methyl group, and p is an integer of from 1 to 20; R.sup.4 represents an alkyl radical of from 1 to 4 carbon atoms; m and n are integers of from about 1 to 20; and A.crclbar. is an anion. The quaternary compounds are useful as fabric softeners.