Abstract: The progress in field of research and development for preparation of fatty tertiary amines was summarized from three aspects.The marketing and main applications of fatty tertiary amines were introduced,mainly for preparation of cationic surfactants and amphoteric surfactants as important intermediates.The main varieties of these two types of surfactants can be used as active ingredient of disinfectants,corrosion inhibitors,antistatic agents,fabric finishing agents,and personal care products,etc.The preparation process of fatty tertiary amines was emphatically described.The critical technology of this process is the preparation of catalysts,including screening of various components of the catalyst and its preparation conditions.At present,the multiple metallic composite catalyst are mainly adopted,with copper as the main active matter to blend with other metallic elements.A brief review of the development of the technology for catalytic amination of fatty alcohols was included,and the suggestion for the further development of preparation technology of fatty tertiary amines was mentioned.

Key words: fatty tertiary amine, preparation technology, catalyst, progress