Abstract: A novel organophilic clay comprising the reaction product of:(a) a smectite-type clay; and(b) a quaternary ammonium compound or compounds selected from the group consisting of: ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 is an unsaturated alkyl-ester group having 8 to 30 carbon atoms as described below and R.sub.2, R.sub.3 and R.sub.4 are independently selected from the group consisting of (i) R.sub.1, (ii) long chain linear or branched alkyl (including methyl), aliphatic or aromatic groups having 1 to 30 carbon atoms (such groups can also include hydroxylated groups); (iii) aralkyl groups, which are benzyl and substituted benzyl moieties, including such groups having fused ring moieties having linear chains or branches of 1 to 30 carbon atoms; (iv) aryl groups such as phenyl and substituted phenyl including fused ring aromatic substituents; (v) beta, gamma unsaturated groups having six or less carbon atoms or hydroxyalkyl groups having 2 to 6 carbon atoms; and (vi) hydrogen and M.sup.