This unassuming quaternary ammonium salt punches far above its weight class. While its chemical structure seems straightforward, choline chloride quietly powers vital processes across veterinary science, crop cultivation, clinical practice, and biotechnology. Our comprehensive profile transforms technical data into actionable insights—perfect for professionals who value precision paired with readability.
Systematic Name: Choline chloride
Key Aliases: BE HOEtN1,1,1Cl (Chemical notation) Cholinii chloridum (Pharmacopeial designation) 2-Hydroxyethyl trimethylammonium chloride (IUPAC name) FCC Grade Choline chloride (Food-chemical specification)
CAS Registry: 67-48-1
Molecular Blueprint: C₅H₁₄ClNO
Mass Profile: 139.62 g/mol
Density: Approximately 1.0238 g/cm³
Thermal Threshold: Decomposes at 302–305°C
Morphology: Sticky crystalline aggregates*
Color Profile: Bright white
Fun fact: Those stubborn clumps aren't poor storage—they're evidence of extreme hygroscopicity. This affinity for moisture explains why fluffy powders remain elusive. Store under airtight conditions at ambient temperature to prevent caking.
Feed mills worldwide prioritize this additive—and for good reason. Beyond preventing costly fatty liver syndrome, it turbocharges metabolic efficiency:
Metabolic Enhancement:Optimizes methionine utilization
Livestock Vitality:Boosts immunity + fetal/juvenile development
Production Metrics:Raises egg yield by 12-18%, improves litter sizes
Physical Integrity:Strengthens bone density and fur quality
Practical Implementation:
Standard inclusion: 1–2g/kg complete feed
Dominates Japanese agriculture—98% used in poultry, swine, and aquaculture operations
Field trials confirm significant yield increases (5-22% crop-dependent) through two mechanisms:
Primary Action Pathways:
Chlorophyll synthesis amplifier
Environmental stress mitigator
Key Beneficiaries:
Staple crops: Corn, potatoes, sugarcane
Commercial species: Cotton, tobacco, grapes
Vegetables: Radish, onion clusters, leafy greens
Classified within vitamin B-complex nutrients, its clinical applications include:
Hepatic Health: Frontline agent against fatty infiltration and cirrhosis progression
Blood Support: Adjuvant therapy for pernicious anemia
Mechanism: Functions as a lipotropic compound—shuttles fat away from liver tissue
As a human nutritional supplement:
Cost-effective source (~85% pure choline)
Supports brain function and lipid metabolism
GRAS-listed for functional foods and beverages
Serves critical functions in:
Cell culture media formulations
Multivitamin compounding
API synthesis
Custom premixes (integrated micronutrient blends)
Commercial 50% powder production follows precise protocol:
Prepare silica/carrier base with calibrated particle distribution
Gradually introduce aqueous choline chloride via metered dripping
Homogenize under controlled humidity
Fluid-bed dry to <1% moisture content
Advanced variants incorporate stabilizers, vitamins, or cofactors during granulation.
Why does this compound dominate global supply chains? Three compelling reasons:
Biological Leverage: Delivers methyl groups essential for cellular operations
Economic Efficiency: Highest choline content per dollar
Compatibility: Blends seamlessly across biological systems
From stabilizing cattle feed to boosting vaccine production yields, choline chloride remains the quiet workhorse of industrial biochemistry. Its chemical humility masks irreplaceable functionality—a testament to the power of molecular simplicity.