Preparation of quaternary ammonium compounds

Quaternary ammonium dihydrogen phosphate or bisulfate salts are made by a process comprising the steps of: (1) forming a first mixture by contacting a quaternary ammonium halide with: (a) a water-insoluble organic solvent capable of forming a ternary azeotrope with water and hydrogen halide and (b) an amount of water and sulfuric add or phosphoric acid sufficient to maintain the temperature of the first mixture in the range of from about 98° C. to about 105° C. when heated; (2) heating the first mixture to a temperature sufficient to separate a ternary azeotrope comprised of hydrogen halide, water and the water-insoluble organic solvent from the first mixture to form a second mixture comprised of water, sulfuric acid or phosphoric acid, the water-insoluble organic solvent and a quaternary ammonium dihydrogen phosphate or bisulfate salt. The process is less time-consuming, less labor intensive, and utilizes relatively small amounts of materials thereby resulting in cost and effluent disposal savings when compared to known methods.