Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of quaternary diesters of the formula: ##STR1## wherein X.sup.- represents a halogen atom, R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are the same or different and are selected from an alkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms or a hydroxyethyl group, or may be linked together to form an alkylene group having 4 to 6 carbon atoms which may be interrupted by an N atom or O atom, and R.sub.3 and R.sub.4 are the same or different and are selected from an alkyl group or alkenyl group having 8 to 22 carbon atoms, or may be linked together to form an alk(en)ylene group having 8 to 22 carbon atoms. In the processa) a secondary amine of the formula R.sub.1 --NH--R.sub.2 is gradually added to and converted with one or more liquid compounds of the formula ##STR2## a molar ratio in the range of 1.0:1.0 and 1.0:1.

Abstract: A fabric softening composition containing as essential constituent a biodegradable quaternary ammonium compound, characterized in that the composition comprises at least one or more compounds of the formula: ##STR1## wherein X is an anion, A is an (m+n) valent radical remaining after the removal of (m+n) hydroxy groups from an aliphatic polyol having phydroxy groups and an atomic ratio of carbon to oxygen in the range of 1.0 to 3.0 and up to 2 groups per hydroxy group selected from ethylene oxide and propylene oxide, m is 0 or an integer from 1 to p-n, n is an integer from 1 to p-m, and p is an integer of at least 2, B is an alkylene or alkylidene group containing 1 to 4 carbon atoms, R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3 and R.sup.

Abstract: Glycosiduronic acids, such as alkyl glycosiduronic acids or alkenyl glycosiduronic acids, which may be used in the preparation of surfactant compositions, such as detergents and cleansers, are prepared by reacting an oxidized mono-, oligo-, or polysaccharide with up to 10 monomer units with one or more fatty alcohols having 8-22 carbon atoms in the presence of a catalyst, preferably in bulk, and after acetalization removing the excess alcohol. Preferably the oxidized mono-saccharide used is glucuronic acid and/or glucuronic acid-3,6-lactone.