Novel 1-oxa-4-azonium cyclohexane salts are described. These compounds can be used as structure directing agents, and they overcome many of the typical problems associated with OSDA synthesis and subsequent zeolite synthesis. Methods for synthesis of the 1-oxa-4-azonium cyclohexane salts from a variety of starting materials are also described. A substituted hydrocarbon is added to water to form a mixture, and a 1-oxa-4-azacyclohexane derivative is then added. The reaction mixture stirred until a solution containing the 1-oxa-4-azonium cyclohexane salt is obtained.