Abstract: A process is reported for preparation of quaternary ammonium type carbonate esters which are useful as bleach precursors in detergent compositions. The process involves transesterification of low molecular weight carbonates, e.g. diphenyl carbonate, with amino functionalized alcohols, e.g. dialkylaminoalkanol. Preferably the reaction involves transesterification of diphenylcarbonate with the hydroxyl compound followed by removal of phenol. Subsequent thereto the transesterified ester is quaternized with an alkylating agent. Optionally there may be a sulfonation of phenol ester subsequent to the quaternization reaction.

Abstract: A process is reported for preparation of quaternary ammonium-type carbonate esters which are useful as bleach precursors in detergent compositions. The process involves transesterification of low molecular weight carbonates, e.g. diphenyl carbonate, with quaternary ammonium functionalized alcohols, e.g. choline chloride. Preferably the reaction is run in a high dielectric constant aprotic solvent such as acetonitrile. The reaction may also be conducted neat utilizing liquefied carbonate reactant as a solvent medium.