Choline chloride
Choline chloride is an organic compound with the formula 3NCH2CH2OH]Cl. It is bifunctional, containing both quaternary ammonium salt and an alcohol. The cation is choline, which occurs naturally. It is a white, water-soluble salt used mainly in animal feed.Synthesis
In the laboratory, choline can be prepared by methylation of dimethylethanolamine with methyl chloride.
Choline chloride is mass-produced with world production estimated at 160 000 tons in 1999. Industrially, it is produce by the reaction of ethylene oxide, hydrogen chloride, and trimethylamine, or from the pre-formed salt:Applications
It is an important additive in feed especially for chickens where it accelerates growth. It forms a deep eutectic solvent with urea, ethylene glycol, glycerol, and many other compounds.
It is also used as a clay control additive in fluids used for hydraulic fracturing.Related salts
Other commercial choline salts are choline hydroxide and choline bitartrate. In foodstuffs, the compound is often present as phosphatidylcholine.
