FIELD: chemistry.
SUBSTANCE: invention relates to a method of producing a mixture of quaternised ammonium ester compounds which can be used as a softening component in fabric softening compositions. The method involves (i) reacting triethanolamine with an alkylating agent in conditions suitable for formation of a compound of formula 
, (ii) reacting said compound with a carboxylic acid in conditions suitable for formation of a compound of formula: 
. In the given formulae, R1 is a C1-C4 alkyl group; R2 is a C12-C22 alkyl group; X- is a counterion; j ranges from 0 to (2-k), and k equals 1 or 2. 
, where R1 is a C1-C4 alkyl group; R2 is a C12-C22 alkyl group; R3 is a C1-C4 ester or a halogen; X- is a counterion; j equals 0 or 1, and k equals 1 or 2.
EFFECT: obtaining a mixture of quaternised ammonium ester compounds which can be used as a softening component in fabric softening compositions.
7 cl, 1 tbl, 4 ex
