Abstract: Novel compounds which have particular utility in the preparation of dry formulations, such as laundry powders, are mixed tert-amine oxides wherein the molecules correspond to the formula RR'R"NO.multidot.nH.sub.2 O in which R is a primary alkyl group containing 8-24 carbons; R' is methyl, ethyl, or 2-hydroxyethyl; R" is independently selected from methyl, ethyl, 2-hydroxyethyl, and primary alkyl groups containing 8-24 carbons; and n is 0, 1, or 2; at least some of the molecules being dihydrate molecules. The pure dihydrates are non-hygroscopic solids.