Quaternary ammonium compounds and compositions comprising the compounds are disclosed. The compositions are valuable as gas hydrate inhibitors in the oil and gas exploration, recovery and processing industries. The compounds and compositions may have improved biodegradability and reduced toxicity when compared with benchmark materials. Quaternary ammonium compounds of the present disclosure have the formula (I) in which R is C1-4 alkyl, C6-10 aryl, or C1-4alkyl-C6-10aryl; R1 is hydrogen or a group of formula —C(═O)X; and R2 is hydrogen or a group of formula —C(═O)Y, provided that R1 and R2 are not both hydrogen; X and Y are each independently a hydrogen, C1-6 alkyl or C1-6 alkenyl group, and Z is a C4-24 alkyl or C4-24 alkenyl group; each D is independently C1-4 alkylene; and A− is an anion.