Abstract: A phosphobetaine compound of the formula ##STR1## wherein A is selected from OH, OM and OYRB is selected from OH and OMR is an imidazoline reactant moiety of the formula ##STR2## Wherein R.sub.3 is alkyl, alkenyl, alkoxy, hydroxyalkyl or hydroxyalkenyl or from C.sub.2 -C.sub.20 carbon atoms each or aryl or akylaryl or cycloaliphatic of up to 20 carbon atoms.R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are individually selected from hydrogen, propionic acid, propionitrile, propionamide, propionate esters of C.sub.1 -C.sub.12 alkyl, alkylaryl or alkylcycloaliphatic or alkali metal or alkaline earth metal salts or amine salts of propionic acid with the proviso that when R.sub.1 is hydrogen R.sub.2 must be a propionate derivative.Y is alkylene of 2 to 6 carbon atoms optionally interrupted by up to 3 oxygen atoms, of up to 12 carbon atoms.M is selected from alkali metals, alkaline earth metals and amines.