Quaternary ammonium compositions are described which are made in diluents based on vegetable oil such as soya bean oil. Such diluents remain as diluents in the final product and generally have a vapor pressure of 1 mm of Hg or less at 25.degree. C., and are liquid at ambient temperature. The liquid quaternary ammonium compound/diluent compositions have low toxicity and low volatile organic compound emission rates and high flash points, and can be tailored to particular applications. Such applications include use in fabric softeners, as cosmetics ingredients, deinking additives, surfactants, and reaction materials in the manufacture of organoclays.