METHOD OF QUATERNIZING IMIDAZOLES QUATERNIZING IMIDAZOLINES

In the prepn. of a quaternary ammonium deriv. of an imidazolien prod. formed by cyclisation of a diamido-amine obts. by condensn. of an ethylene-alkylene-triamine with a long chain fatty acid or a functional equiv., 1 pt. wt. of the imidazoline prod. is first alkoxylated with 0.01-0.1 pts. wt. of a lower alkylene oxide. The alkoxylated intermediate then reacts with a quaternising agent which is a lower alkyl chloride or bromide, or a trialkyl phosphate, to give the corresp. quaternary ammonium deriv. The quaternary ammonium cpd. is used as a fabric softener, a hair rinsing compsn. an emulsifier for oil and water emulsions, or as an antistatic agent e.g. for paper or fabrics. Compared with conventional processes, the process gives a quaternised prod. contg. less unreacted imidazoline and fewer prim. and sec. amine impurities.