| abstract |
The present invention relates to novel quaternary ammonium derivatives which have properties similar to those of non-ionic, amphoteric and cationic surfactants, to their preparation and to their use as surfactants in foaming and emulsifying compositions intended for use in the fields of pharmaceutics, cosmetics, hygiene and detergency. These derivatives have the general formula <IMAGE> (I) wherein essentially R is an alkyl or alkenyl radical having from 5 to 29 carbon atoms, R1 and R2 are an alkyl radical having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, R3 is a 2-hydroxyethyl, 2-hydroxypropyl, 3-hydroxypropyl, methyl or 2,3,4,5,6-pentahydroxyhexyl radical and X is a halogen atom or a hydroxyl group. |