Abstract: A method is disclosed for the preparation of flowable, aqueous dispersions, which contain 10 to 30% by weight of betaines of the general formula ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 is a linear alkyl group with at least 16 carbon atoms or the R.sup.4 CONH(CH.sub.2).sub.x -- group, in which R.sup.4 CO is an acyl group derived from a saturated, linear fatty acid with at least 16 carbon atoms and x=2 or 3,R.sup.2, R.sup.3 are the same or different and in each case represent an alkyl group with 1 to 4 carbon atoms,y is 1, 2 or 3,by quaternizing a tertiary amine of the general formulaR.sup.1 --NR.sup.2 R.sup.3with .omega.-halogenalkylcarboxylic acids X(CH.sub.2).sub.y COOY or their salts (X=halogen group, Y=hydrogen, alkali or ammonium) in an aqueous or alcoholic, aqueous solution at elevated temperature. Anionic surfactants are added to the reaction mixture before the quaternization reaction in such amounts, that the ultimate dispersion contains 1 to 10% by weight of anionic surfactants.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for the preparation of flowable aqueous solutions of betaines of the general formula ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 is the alkyl portion of a fatty acid with 6 to 18 carbon atoms,R.sup.2, R.sup.3 are the same or different and represent alkyl groups with 1 to 4 carbon atomsx is 2 or 3 andy is 1, 2 or 3by quaternization of the fatty acid amide R.sup.1 CONH(CH.sub.2).sub.x NR.sup.2 R.sup.3 with .omega.-halogenalkylcarboxylic acids X(CH.sub.2)COOY or their salts (X=halogen, Y=a hydrogen, alkali or ammonium ion) in aqueous solution at elevated temperatures. The preferably still hot solution, obtained pursuant to the invention after the reaction, is brought to the desired concentration, if necessary, by the evaporation of water. Before or after the concentration of the solution is adjusted to the desired value, mineral acid is added in such amounts, that the pH of the solution becomes 1 to 4.5.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for the preparation of a flowable and pumpable solution containing at least 70 weight percent of betaine of the following general formula ##STR1## in which R.sup.1 is the alkyl group of a fatty acid or a fatty acid mixture with an average of 6 to 18 carbon atoms, R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 are the same or different and represent an alkyl or a hydroxyalkyl group with 1 to 4 carbon atoms, x has a value of 2 or 3 and y a value of 1,2,3 or 4.The solutions prepared by the method have a viscosity of not more than 25,000 mPas at 25.degree. C., as a result of which the compounding of the solutions to liquid soaps, shampoos, shower gels and other cosmetic preparations is facilitated, while at the same time the costs of dispensing, transporting and warehousing are reduced. Solutions containing at least 70 percent by weight of the above betaines are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for the preparation of betaines is disclosed, the betaines having the general formulaR.sup.1 CONH(CH.sub.2).sub.x N.sup..sym. R.sup.2 R.sup.3 (CH.sub.2).sub.y COO.sup..crclbar.in whichR.sup.1 is the alkyl residue of a fatty acid with 6 to 18 carbon atoms,R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 are the same or different and represent alkyl residues with 1 to 4 carbon atoms,x=2 or 3, andy=1, 2 or 3.The betaines are prepared by quaternizing fatty acid amides having the formulaR.sup.1 CONH(CH.sub.2).sub.x NR.sup.2 R.sup.3with .omega.-halogenalkylcarboxylic acids having the formulaX(CH.sub.2).sub.y COOHwherein X is a halogen residue, and carrying out the quaternization at a pH of 7.5 to 10.5 measured at 98.degree. C. The reaction product obtained from the process is essentially free of unreacted amides and organically linked chlorine and thus avoids the skin irritations normally associated with compounds in which such betaines are used.

Abstract: A method for making citric acid esters of fatty acid mono or diglycerides by reacting citric acid with the glycerides at elevated temperatures and in the presence of acetic acid as a solvent.