Choline Dihydrogen Citrate comes from the family of organic citrates and carries significant value in chemical, nutritional, and pharmaceutical sectors. This material combines choline, a water-soluble vitamin-like essential nutrient, with the citric acid residue. The result is a compound with unique structural and functional benefits not often matched by other supplements or chemical intermediates. Choline Dihydrogen Citrate bears the molecular formula C8H20NO8P and stands out for its dual role as a reliable raw material and a performance enhancer in applications ranging from animal feed to health products. The compound typically falls under HS Code 2923200000, falling into the group of organic chemicals; quaternary ammonium salts and hydroxide.
Examining the pure substance, Choline Dihydrogen Citrate features a structure formed by citric acid’s hydrogen bonds with the quaternary ammonium of choline. This arrangement provides stable ionic interaction, improving its dissolution and bioavailability. Choline Dihydrogen Citrate appears as a white to off-white crystalline solid, sometimes seen in the form of flakes or fine powder. The compound occasionally arrives in pearls or crystalline forms for niche uses, while liquid solutions offer versatility for formulation in industrial and health-related applications. Each form brings a different handling experience. For a product manager or lab worker, the density of a solid Choline Dihydrogen Citrate commonly ranges from around 1.3 to 1.4 g/cm³, with some variation, depending on crystal moisture content or flake compaction. Consistency remains a prime concern in scaling up operations or maintaining batch quality, so the physical state often guides the purchasing decision.
From a chemistry perspective, Choline Dihydrogen Citrate provides excellent solubility in water, supporting seamless mixing and application in beverages or animal feed premixes. In practical handling, its hygroscopic quality means it tends to absorb moisture, requiring storage in dry, tightly sealed containers, away from humidity. Its pH behavior leans slightly acidic due to the citric acid portion, a relevant point if inclusion in sensitive blends sits on the table. The molecular structure grants it good shelf-stability, resisting decomposition when kept from heat and moisture. Each batch should come with an assay, color, odor, clarity of solution, moisture level, and heavy metal content stated, especially as material safety data and regulatory compliance remain non-negotiable for food, health, and chemical sectors.
Daily experience with chemical sourcing or production teaches the importance of clear, quantifiable specs. Choline Dihydrogen Citrate may appear in the market with a purity exceeding 98% for pharmaceutical applications, as well as technical grades with more relaxed purity requirements, depending on use. Specification sheets highlight the physical state (powder, flakes, pearls, crystals, liquid), assay percent, loss on drying, pH (1% solution), heavy metals (mg/kg), lead, arsenic, and microbial limits. These specifications not only dictate acceptance during receiving but ensure downstream quality, especially for sensitive uses in dietary or pediatric nutrition products. Experience shows third-party certification and compliance with standards like FCC, USP, GB, or EINECS sway purchasing teams, knowing regulators may request documentation any day.
Work with Choline Dihydrogen Citrate brings general chemical handling practices into play. Real-world labs and production lines know not all chemicals pose high risks, though even a safe material like this can irritate skin or eyes. An open drum or accidental spill, especially in powder form, drives home the need for gloves and goggles; not necessarily because of acute toxicity, but to prevent mild irritation and manage dust. A well-run facility posts MSDS sheets nearby, highlights that the main hazard comes from inhalation of fine particles or accidental ingestion at high levels. Emergency protocols focus on prompt washing if contact occurs, while spills get vacuumed or swept with damp tools to keep dust down. Regulatory standards limit storage quantities, require separation of acids and oxidizers, and ensure good ventilation. Most users never face a crisis with this material, but safety habits pay off in risk reduction for both new and experienced staff.
Choline Dihydrogen Citrate walks into production chains as both a raw material and a nutritional additive. Its most prominent place lies in health and wellness, serving as a choline source in dietary supplements, infant formula, and veterinary preparations. Practical experience shows its value in nutritional blends comes from its stable, easily handled form. It avoids the fishy smell of other choline salts, won’t clump as easily under dry-room conditions, and adapts smoothly into aqueous or solid formulations. For animal feed, it enters as a growth promoter and cognitive support ingredient, improving nutrition in demanding livestock diets. In the chemical industry, Choline Dihydrogen Citrate stands as an intermediate in synthetic reactions or as a buffering component to maintain pH and ionic strength. This flexibility, combined with an extensive safety record, positions it as a routine order for procurement teams managing product development across food and pharma.
Everyday work with Choline Dihydrogen Citrate underlines several industry pain points: purity consistency, price volatility, and traceability of origin. Experience in raw material procurement says stable price agreements with trusted suppliers reduce headaches, especially when market swings cause quality or supply issues. Regular batch testing, supplier audits, and cross-checking certifications build confidence, both for your technical specs and downstream customers who look to you for safe, traceable, reliable product. In practice, resetting supplier expectations, keeping transparent quality records, and staying alert about new regulatory rulings shores up your risk management plan.
