Choline is a biologically essential compound classified as a quaternary ammonium alcohol. It plays a critical role in cellular function, particularly in the synthesis of phospholipids (e.g., phosphatidylcholine), neurotransmitters (e.g., acetylcholine), and methylation pathways.
- In plants, choline is biosynthesized from the amino acid serine via ethanolamine intermediates and methylation steps.
- In animals, it is found in tissues such as the liver and brain and can be obtained from dietary sources or synthesized endogenously.
- Structurally, choline consists of a positively charged nitrogen atom bonded to three methyl groups and a hydroxyethyl chain: (CH₃)₃N⁺CH₂CH₂OH.
Choline is often understood as choline chloride, particularly in general or biochemical contexts, where chloride is seen as the standard accompanying anion. However, in the realm of ionic liquids, “choline” specifically refers to the choline cation. In this area, the choline cation is paired with various anions—such as acetate, lactate, formate, and bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide—to form different choline-based ionic liquids. These combinations are chosen to modify properties like viscosity, electrical conductivity, and biodegradability for targeted uses.
Why Choline Ionic Liquids Are Important
Choline-based ionic liquids (ILs) are formed by pairing the choline cation with a range of anions to tune properties such as:
- Hydrophilicity: Most choline ILs are water-soluble, enabling use in aqueous-phase reactions and formulations.
- Thermal stability: Many exhibit melting points above 150°C, suitable for high-temperature synthesis.
- Conductivity: Tunable ionic conductivity makes them suitable for electrochemical applications.
- Hydrogen bonding: Strong donor/acceptor profiles support solvation and catalytic activity.
- Pairing choline with citrate, lactate, or long-chain fatty acids creates ILs that are biocompatible and useful for drug solubilization, targeted delivery, and nutraceuticals.
These ILs are valued for their low toxicity, biocompatibility, and formulation versatility, making them ideal for sensitive and performance-driven systems.
Key Applications
- Electrochemistry: As electrolytes in low-voltage systems and metal recovery processes
- Biomaterials: In drug delivery, tissue engineering, and bio lubricants
- Catalysis and synthesis: As solvents or co-catalysts in aqueous and mixed-phase reactions
- Formulation science: In emulsifiers, buffers, and nutrient-based systems
- Drug delivery: Choline based ionic liquids are seeing significant uptake as a drug delivery carrier.
As a trusted ionic liquid supplier, RoCo® delivers research‑grade ionic liquids that meet the highest purity and compliance standards — available to buy ionic liquids online for fast, reliable delivery.
Top Four Choline Ionic Liquids from RoCo®
- [CHOL][DHP] – Choline Dihydrogen Phosphate
A high-purity ionic liquid used in electrochemical synthesis, buffering systems, and biocompatible formulations. Its phosphate anion contributes to excellent thermal stability and pKa buffering near physiological pH, making it suitable for biomedical solvents and nucleic acid processing.
Available in >98% purity, refer to IL-0042-HP
- [CHOL][HEX] – Choline Hexanoate
A medium-chain carboxylate IL used in organic synthesis, membrane interaction studies, and biomass depolymerization. It has been studied for bacterial lysis, DNA extraction, and as a component in water-based bio-lubricants.
Available in >97% purity, refer to IL-0351-HP
- [CHOL][OAC] – Choline Acetate
A is a polar, hydrogen-bonding ionic liquid used in bioethanol processing, catalysis, and electrochemical devices. Its strong solvation properties and high polarity make it ideal for aqueous formulations and phase behavior studies.
Available in >98% purity, refer to IL-0322-HP
- [CHOL][BTA] Choline bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide
A hydrophobic ionic liquid with low viscosity and excellent electrochemical stability. It is commonly used in electrochemical devices, separations, and research on advanced materials, particularly where non-aqueous, low-volatility systems are required.
Available in >99% purity, refer to IL-0110-HP
Why Choose RoCo as Your Ionic Liquid Supplier
At RoCo®, we’re committed to providing high-quality materials that meet the demands of advanced scientific and industrial applications.
When you buy ionic liquids online from RoCo®, you’re partnering with a supplier trusted by leading research institutions and government agencies.
Choline-based ionic liquids are versatile functional materials that drive innovation in electrochemistry, formulation science, and biocompatible technologies. Their tunable polarity, low toxicity, and compatibility with aqueous systems make them ideal for applications such as metal recovery, catalysis, drug delivery, and the development of bio-based materials.
Explore our full range of Choline-based ionic liquids and buy ionic liquids online from a trusted supplier with a proven track record in government, industrial, and institutional deliveries.