D(-)Choline Bitartrate: Material Description, Structure, Properties, and Specifications

What is D(-)Choline Bitartrate?

D(-)Choline Bitartrate stands as a well-recognized raw material in many chemical, nutraceutical, and pharmaceutical applications. Choline—the critical component—serves various roles in cellular structure and neurotransmission. D(-)Choline Bitartrate combines choline with bitartrate, forming a compound that helps deliver choline in an accessible and more stable format. This approach becomes essential in industries seeking dependable, measurable sources of choline, especially as research continues to point toward choline’s involvement in liver function, memory support, and cellular membranes. Many manufacturers rely on D(-)Choline Bitartrate because the delivery of choline in salt form enhances solubility, increases shelf stability, and simplifies formulation, whether the final use calls for solid powders or liquid solutions.

Physical Properties of D(-)Choline Bitartrate

Physically, D(-)Choline Bitartrate presents as a solid at room temperature. Depending on its processing history, the material appears as fine white crystals, powder, or sometimes as small, firm flakes. The molecular formula for D(-)Choline Bitartrate is C9H19NO7, with a molecular weight of 253.25 g/mol. Chemically, the material stays stable under standard storage conditions—dry rooms, away from direct sunlight, and moisture—which is a practical concern for bulk storage and transport. Its density typically comes in at around 1.44 g/cm³. The solid, crystalline form pours readily from containers, a property many facility workers value during transfer and batch preparation. The low volatility and moderate solubility in water offer added safety and mixing benefits—in practice, this means the compound dissolves smoothly in aqueous solutions, which makes it useful for both tablets and liquid preparations.

Chemical Structure and Specification

The chemical design features a choline cation alongside a bitartrate anion. This dual-structure approach allows for easy measurement and integration into existing formulations. In terms of purity, suppliers often offer D(-)Choline Bitartrate at levels above 98%, limiting the presence of potentially harmful side products. Routine testing measures specific optical rotation, moisture content, and heavy metal residue—to comply with health and safety regulations worldwide. The HS Code for D(-)Choline Bitartrate often falls under 2923.10, aligning it with choline and its salts in customs nomenclature, which is vital for transparent cross-border transport.

Forms: Powder, Flakes, Solid, Liquid, Crystal, Solution

In my own work with chemical sourcing, the preference for form varies by application. Nutrition companies usually request D(-)Choline Bitartrate in solid, powder, or crystalline forms, as these blend quickly into supplement mixes and offer predictable dosing. The flakes and pearls, though less common, can show up where controlled release or ease of handling takes priority. Liquid or solution-based options occasionally get tapped for syrup, injectable, or beverage applications—accomplished by dissolving the solid in purified water. The versatility across these physical forms reduces production headaches and supports a wider range of product types, from tablets to drinkable vials.

Material Handling: Density, Safety, and Hazardous Properties

Daily handling of D(-)Choline Bitartrate rarely raises significant safety concerns when following industry-standard protocols: dust should be controlled (as with many powders), gloves and protective eyewear stay essential, and storage away from moisture and incompatible chemicals always proves wise. Choline compounds are generally considered to have low toxicity in recommended doses, but inhalation of concentrated powder or direct skin and eye contact can irritate sensitive individuals. Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) do not rate D(-)Choline Bitartrate as an acute threat—it's not flammable or highly reactive, and accidental exposure calls for rinsing and removal of contaminated clothes. Environmental concerns focus on responsible waste management and preventing excessive release to wastewater systems, as with many organic raw materials.

Applications as Raw Material

Procuring D(-)Choline Bitartrate isn’t limited to one industry. Nutrition and health supplement brands use it to formulate choline capsules, tablets, gummies, and fortified foods. Veterinary practices, too, see value as choline bitartrate feeds into animal nutrition for livestock health. Pharmaceutical sectors count on its purity, relying on its structural integrity for regulated medicine manufacturing. Chemical and research laboratories include it in reference standards, analytical chemistry, or molecular biology study. Its prominent role across diverse product categories reflects not just its chemical utility, but a wider societal need for reliable choline sources.

Molecular Specifications and Detailed Chemical Data

On the molecular side, D(-)Choline Bitartrate expresses a clear identity, grounded in its precise formula (C9H19NO7) and a crystalline structure that can be verified by spectroscopy or X-ray diffraction. Its melting point, which hovers above 150°C, yields useful data for those monitoring quality assurance or process consistency. Vendors offer specifications detailing chloride content, loss on drying, heavy metals such as lead, and microbial limits. These specifications, enforced through batch testing, greatly reduce the risk of contamination and align with international standards for food and pharmaceutical quality.

Safe and Responsible Chemical Use

Ensuring the safe use of D(-)Choline Bitartrate means respecting standard chemical handling protocols, regular employee training, and maintaining updated compliance records. My own experience, working alongside laboratory teams, suggests the benefits of clearly labeled storage, readily available spill kits, and regular reviews of safety procedures—a routine many seasoned technicians follow without having to think twice. For manufacturers, sourcing from suppliers with thorough documentation helps stand up to scrutiny from health authorities and supports consumer confidence.

Potential Challenges and Solutions

Like many other essential chemicals, supply chain reliability matters. Changes in global logistics or raw material prices occasionally disrupt continuity. Tapping into well-established relationships with reputable suppliers can offset these risks. Building buffer stocks for key ingredients, including D(-)Choline Bitartrate, becomes standard practice for companies that prize uninterrupted production. Transparency around provenance, certifications, and traceability stands as a strong foundation for procurement strategies. Investing in proper storage—dry, cool environments, humidity control—keeps the material stable for extended periods, reducing spoilage and waste. For companies looking to stretch budgets or reduce environmental footprint, recycling appropriately and optimizing use at the batch level can keep both costs and environmental concerns manageable.

Conclusion

D(-)Choline Bitartrate remains a staple for industries driven by consistency and safe, effective nutrient delivery. Its robust specification, practical handling requirements, and adaptability across product forms make it a frequent choice on manufacturing lines and in laboratory glassware. Knowledge of its physical and chemical properties, combined with grounded handling practices, keeps the material contributing to health, research, and production, day after day.