An ionic diol has formula wherein R1 represents an alkyl group having from 6 to 18 carbon atoms; R2 and R3 independently represent alkyl groups having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms; R4 represents an alkylene group having from 2 to 8 carbon atoms; and R5 represents an alkylene group having from 1 to 8 carbon atoms. Antistatic polymers are formed by copolymerization of monomers including a diisocyanate, an ionic diol, a polyether diol, and at least one non-ionic diols. Methods of making the antistatic polyurethanes are also disclosed.