Disclosed are a variety of amphoteric compounds having a heterocyclic quaternary nitrogen group. The heterocycle includes pyridines, piperidines, and pyrrolidines, and is linked to the hydrophobe via either an amide or an ester linkage. These heterocyclic amphoteric compounds can be advantageously prepared in high yield and purity by a two-step chemoenzymatic process, and have excellent surfactant properties.