Choline chloride

Choline_chloride.png

Quaternary ammonium salt used as a dietary supplement

Choline chloride
Choline chloride.png
Chemical structure of choline chloride
Identifiers
CAS Number
PubChem CID
ChemSpider ID
UNII
ChEBI
ChEMBL
Properties
Chemical Formula
Molar Mass	139.62 g/mol
Appearance	White crystalline solid
Density	1.11 g/cm3
Melting Point	302 °C (576 °F)
Boiling Point	Decomposes
Hazards
GHS Pictograms	[[File:|50px]]
GHS Signal Word
GHS Hazard Statements
NFPA 704	[[File:|50px]]
References

Choline chloride is an organic compound and a quaternary ammonium salt with the chemical formula C₅H₁₄ClNO. It is a white crystalline solid that is highly soluble in water. Choline chloride is an important nutrient and is often used as a dietary supplement in animal feed and human nutrition.

Chemical Structure and Properties

Choline chloride consists of a choline cation and a chloride anion. The choline cation is a quaternary ammonium ion with three methyl groups attached to the nitrogen atom and a hydroxyethyl group attached to the same nitrogen. The chloride anion balances the positive charge of the choline cation.

Uses

Animal Feed

Choline chloride is widely used in animal feed as a source of choline, which is an essential nutrient for many animals. It plays a crucial role in various physiological processes, including lipid metabolism, neurotransmission, and cell membrane structure. Choline chloride is particularly important in the diets of poultry, swine, and fish.

Human Nutrition

In human nutrition, choline chloride is used as a dietary supplement to ensure adequate intake of choline. Choline is a vital nutrient that supports brain development, liver function, and muscle movement. It is also a precursor for the synthesis of acetylcholine, a key neurotransmitter involved in memory and muscle control.

Industrial Applications

Choline chloride is also used in various industrial applications, including as a phase transfer catalyst in chemical synthesis and as a component in ionic liquids.

Health Effects

Choline is an essential nutrient, and its deficiency can lead to various health issues, including liver disease, muscle damage, and neurological disorders. However, excessive intake of choline chloride can cause adverse effects such as hypotension, sweating, and fishy body odor.

See Also

• Choline
• Quaternary ammonium cation
• Dietary supplement
• Animal nutrition

References

   This article is a medical stub. You can help WikiMD by expanding it!