Abstract: Detergent compositions comprised of an alkyl polyglycoside and an ester quat corresponding to formula (II) ##STR1## wherein R.sup.2 CO is an aliphatic acyl radical containing 12 to 22 carbon atoms and 0, 1, 2 or 3 double bonds, n=2 or 3 and X stands for halide, methosulfate or methophosphate ion are provided which are useful for the production of surface-active agents and for the enhanced recovery of crude oil.

Abstract: The invention relates to new esterquats which are obtained by reacting trialkanolamines with a mixture of fatty acids and dicarboxylic acids and quaternizing the resulting esters in known manner, optionally after alkoxylation. Cationic surfactants are obtained which show particularly high ecotoxicological compatibility, provide synthetic and natural fibers with a pleasant feel and, at the same time, reduce electrostatic charging between the filaments.

Abstract: A process for the production of color- and odor-stable quaternized fatty acid triethanolamine ester salts comprising the steps ofA) partially or fully esterifying triethanolamine with at least one fatty acid in the presence of hypophosphorous acid;B) adding a peroxide compound and an alkali metal boranate to the esterification product from step A); andC) quaternizing the esterification product with an alkyl halide, a (di)alkyl sulfate or an alkylene oxide in the presence of a phenol derivative and a hydroxycarboxylic acid.

Abstract: Described are acidic hair care agents containing quaternary fatty acid trialkanolamine ester salts of formula (I): ##STR1## in which R.sup.1 CO is a linear or branched aliphatic acylradical containing 6 to 22 carbon atoms and 0 or 1 double bond, {Z} is an ethylene, propylene or isopropylene group and X is chloride, bromide, sulfate, methosulfate or phosphate. Such agents improve hair combability, have antistatic properties, arc easy to rinse out, impart an agreeable feel and have very little polluting action.

Abstract: Water-free detergent mixtures may be obtained by reacting secondary or tertiary amines with alkylating agents, in a per se known manner, in the presence of fatty alcohol polyglycol ethers with a HLB value in a range from 6 to 12, but without adding water or organic solvents. These products are suitable for preparing surface-active agents.

Abstract: Described are detergent mixtures containing (a) quaternarized fatty-acid alkanolamine esters of formula (I), in which R.sup.1 CO is an aliphatic acyl group with 6 to 22 carbon atoms and 0 or 1 double bonds, Z is an ethylene or isopropylene group, EO is a CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 O-- unit, (m+n+p) is a number from 1 to 10 and X is a halide, a methosulphate or an alkylphosphate anion, plus (b) other anionic, non-ionic and/or amphoteric or zwitterionic surfactants. Such mixtures have a high foaming power, are easily concentrated and have a long shelf life.

Abstract: Esters of fatty acids with ethoxylated polyols are prepared by (a) ethoxylating polyols in the presence of basic catalysts at high temperatures with 80 to 150 moles ethylene oxide per mol polyol and then (b) reacting the reaction product with 1 to 1.3 moles fatty acids per mole of hydroxyl groups contained in the original polyol, in the presence of acid catalysts. These esters are useful as thickeners of aqueous solutions of surface active agents.