Choline hydrogen tartrate belongs in the family of quaternary ammonium salts, produced by combining choline with tartaric acid. This compound delivers a dual advantage: it supplies choline, an essential nutrient for human health, and takes advantage of the solubility and bioavailability inherent to the tartrate salt. Choline in this form is widely sourced from raw materials such as synthetic choline bases and tartaric acid derived from wine industry byproducts, making it a staple material in sectors like nutrition, pharmaceuticals, and specialty food additives.
The physical appearance of choline hydrogen tartrate covers a broad range. It most often comes as a crystalline solid, but can also be processed into fine powders, granular pearls, or even flakes to suit particular applications. The color ranges from pure white to off-white, reflecting its purity and synthesis process. Choline hydrogen tartrate displays a specific density in the range of 1.48 g/cm³. It liquefies upon heating and dissolves readily in water, forming a clear solution at room temperature. The substance has a molecular formula of C9H19NO7, while the structure carries a choline cation paired with a hydrogen tartrate anion, establishing stability and compatibility with biological systems.
Manufacturers usually process this material to a purity exceeding 98%. Such purity eliminates impurities that could hamper its effectiveness or safety. The compound falls under the Harmonized System Code (HS Code) 29239000 for customs classification, widely recognized in international trade. Purified variants often only carry trace moisture, making them suitable for precise dosing in manufacturing contexts. The substance does not emit any significant odor and resists clumping if stored in moisture-free conditions, allowing for easier handling and longer shelf life in all forms, whether solid or powder.
Nutrition and food supplement manufacturers have made this compound a regular feature in their ingredient lists. The human body uses choline for memory function, liver health, and metabolic support. Pharmaceutical manufacturers employ choline hydrogen tartrate in formulations where enhanced bioavailability makes a difference, especially in capsules and solutions. Beyond human nutrition, feed industries sometimes use it for enhancing animal growth or preventing liver disorders in poultry. The crystalline and free-flowing solid forms make it practical for bulk transport and automated production systems. As a result, users appreciate the performance consistency from batch-to-batch, supported by the transparent chemical and structural profile of the compound.
At a molecular level, the choline portion contains a quaternary ammonium group, giving the entire molecule strong hydrophilic character. Paired with hydrogen tartrate, the salt’s ionic bonds secure both physical stability and reliable solubility. Each molecule contains nine carbon atoms, nineteen hydrogens, one nitrogen, and seven oxygens, giving clarity for those monitoring lab analyses or scaling up production. The crystalline nature contributes to both measured flow properties and ease of physical manipulation in manufacturing—handled as flakes, granules, or compressed solids.
Choline hydrogen tartrate rates as a low-hazard material, though like all chemicals, safe handling matters. Direct ingestion in recommended doses does not result in any documented toxic effects for most adults but can cause mild gastrointestinal disturbances if consumed in excess. Inhalation of fine powders may irritate respiratory passages, so dust control protocols prove valuable in workplaces. No flammability risk presents in normal storage or handling scenarios. Always store in a dry, cool place, away from strong oxidizers or moisture, to maintain purity and avoid physical caking. Workers handling bulk forms should wear standard dust masks and gloves as a matter of good industrial hygiene.
Production of choline hydrogen tartrate relies on choline chloride or choline base and tartaric acid. Many suppliers use tartaric acid sourced sustainably from winemaking residues, turning a byproduct into a value-added chemical feedstock. This adds a modest environmental advantage while ensuring pricing stability for bulk buyers. Process controls emphasize purity through crystallization and careful drying, helping guarantee each lot meets international specifications for the intended end-use, especially in food-grade or pharmaceutical-grade applications.
Different industries require variable product forms. Nutrition supplement makers often request microcrystalline powders, which blend easily into tablet or capsule filling lines. Food technologists sometimes prefer pearls or granules for controlled release in fortified foods. Flakes and larger crystals see use in bulk mixing, where rapid dissolution in water accelerates the manufacturing process. Measuring specific density during quality control ensures consistent performance whether the compound is destined for human health products or veterinary use. High solubility in water simplifies preparation of accurate liquid solutions, and the material’s solid-state stability adapts to a range of packaging—from bulk sacks to small foil pouches.
The presence of choline hydrogen tartrate across multiple sectors demonstrates its enduring importance. Its stable structure, dependable purity, and ease of use drive demand in nutrition, medicine, and industrial chemistry. Track record of human safety, together with versatile material handling options—including powder, flake, pearl, and crystal—make it a practical choice for evolving manufacturing needs. Data from research, including human clinical studies on choline, reinforce the importance of building strong choline status in populations. This compound delivers on that front, while modern process controls ensure sustainable production from widely available raw materials. As a chemical raw material with transparent handling requirements and clear benefits, choline hydrogen tartrate stands out as a cornerstone in today’s ingredient marketplace.
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