Choline Chloride is an organic compound commonly grouped with the B complex vitamins that plays key roles in many biological processes. It is a quaternary ammonium salt, containing choline cations and chloride anions. Choline is a precursor of the phospholipid sphingomyelin and lecithin. Choline has three primary metabolic functions: 1) precursor for phosphatidylcholine biosynthesis, 2) precursor to acetylcholine biosynthesis, and 3) methyl donor. Synthesis of choline is via methylation of dimethylethanolamine with methyl chloride. Phosphatidylcholine and sphingomyelin are components of biological membranes. Since it is a basic constituent of lecithin, choline chloride is found in many plant and animal organs. The compound plays a role in methyl group metabolism and can be used as a standard in methionine and choline metabolism. The compund can also act as a methyl donor in various metabolic processes and it also plays a role in lipid metabolism. Choline Chloride is commonly used as a media supplement for cell culture applications.
Choline Chloride is soluble in aqueous solution.
