Choline chloride

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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