Organoclay compositions

A process for the preparation of an organoclay composition comprising a reaction product of a smectite clay having an ion exchange capacity of at least 50 meq. wt. per 100 g. clay (active basis), and a mixture of a first quaternary ammonium compound with either a second quaternary ammonium compound containing a carbon-carbon double bond, or a chain transfer agent which is a thiol, .alpha.-methylketone, or a halogen compound, which comprises:

• a) dispersing a smectite clay having an ion exchange capacity of at least 50 meq. wt. per 100 g. clay, in an aqueous media to form a dispersion;
• b) heating the dispersion of step (a) to a temperature in excess of 30.degree. C.;
• c) adding to the heated dispersion of step (b) a first quaternary ammonium salt, in the milliequivalent ratio to form a mixture;
• d) adding the mixture of step (c) to a solution of the second quaternary ammonium compound or chain transfer agent, pretreated with a strong mineral acid, if necessary;
• and
• e) agitating the mixture of step (d) to effect completion of the reaction.