Patent ID: 8168823

Claim:
A process for the production of a betaine of formula R 3 N + -Q-COO − (I), wherein R is C 1-4 alkyl and Q is C 1-4 alkanediyl, optionally substituted with hydroxy, by reacting, in aqueous solution, an ω-halocarboxylate of formula X-Q-COOR′ (II), wherein Q is as defined above, R′ is C 1-4 alkyl and X is chlorine, bromine or iodine, with a tertiary amine of formula R 3 N (III), wherein R is as defined above and a base selected from alkali hydroxides and alkaline earth hydroxides, characterized in that the w-halocarboxylate (II) is added to an aqueous solution comprising the tertiary amine (III) and the base.