Overview
CDP-Choline, also known as Citicoline or Cytidine-5′-diphosphocholine, is an endogenous intermediate in phosphatidylcholine biosynthesis and a widely referenced compound in cognitive and neurological research. In experimental settings, CDP-Choline is examined for its role in membrane phospholipid synthesis, acetylcholine availability, and neuronal signaling pathways.
Important: This material is offered for Research Use Only (RUO). Not for human or veterinary consumption.
Chemical & Technical Information
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Chemical Name: Cytidine-5′-diphosphocholine
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Synonyms: CDP-Choline, Citicoline
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Molecular Formula: C₁₄H₂₆N₄O₁₁P₂
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Molecular Weight: ~488.32 g/mol
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CAS Number: 987-78-0
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Appearance: White to off-white crystalline powder
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Odor: Odorless
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Solubility: Freely soluble in water; sparingly soluble in ethanol
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pH (aqueous solution): Typically ~6.0–7.5
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Stability: Hygroscopic; store tightly sealed, protected from moisture
Research Context & Mechanistic Interest
In laboratory and preclinical literature, CDP-Choline is commonly investigated for:
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Phospholipid Metabolism: Serves as a precursor in the Kennedy pathway for phosphatidylcholine synthesis, a key neuronal membrane component.
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Cholinergic Systems: Provides choline, a substrate for acetylcholine biosynthesis, relevant to neurotransmission research.
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Neuroenergetics & Repair: Studied in models exploring membrane turnover, synaptic plasticity, and neuronal resilience.
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Cognitive Science Models: Frequently referenced in experimental designs examining attention, memory, and learning pathways.
These areas are strictly research applications and do not imply clinical or dietary use.
Handling & Storage Guidelines
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Store at room temperature or 2–8 °C for extended stability
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Keep container tightly sealed and desiccated
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Avoid prolonged exposure to heat, light, and humidity
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Use appropriate PPE and laboratory handling procedures
Quality & Compliance
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Supplied as a single-ingredient research compound
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Intended for in vitro, analytical, or educational research
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Not a drug, dietary supplement, or food ingredient
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No medical, therapeutic, or diagnostic claims expressed or implied
| CAS Number | 987-78-0 |
| Other Names | CDP-Choline, 987-78-0, Citicholine, Cytidine 5′-Diphosphocholine, Citidoline, Cyscholin, Cytidoline, Difosfocin, cyticholine |
| IUPAC Name | [[(2R,3S,4R,5R)-5-(4-amino-2-oxopyrimidin-1-yl)-3,4-dihydroxyoxolan-2-yl]methoxy-hydroxyphosphoryl] 2-(trimethylazaniumyl)ethyl phosphate |
| Molecular Formula | C₁₄H₂₇N₄O₁₁P₂⁺ |
| Molecular Weight | 489.33 |
| Dry-Fill Capsule Concentration | 500mg |







