Phosphorylcholine

• CAT Number: I017521
• CAS Number: 3616-04-4
• Molecular Formula: C5H14NO4P
• Molecular Weight: 183.14
• Purity: ≥95%
• Synonyms: 2-(trimethylazaniumyl)ethyl hydrogen phosphate
• InChI: InChI=1S/C5H14NO4P/c1-6(2,3)4-5-10-11(7,8)9/h4-5H2,1-3H3,(H-,7,8,9)
• InChIKey: YHHSONZFOIEMCP-UHFFFAOYSA-N
• SMILES: C[N+](C)(C)CCOP(=O)(O)[O-]

Phosphorylcholine(CAT: I017521) is a small, biologically significant phospholipid head-group component found in many cell membrane phosphatidylcholines and glycolipids. As a zwitterionic molecule, it plays a central role in membrane structure and function, contributing to lipid bilayer stability and fluidity. Beyond its structural role, phosphorylcholine is recognized as an immunologically active epitope, present on pathogens such as Streptococcus pneumoniae and certain helminths, where it modulates host–pathogen interactions and immune evasion. It is also a key intermediate in phospholipid metabolism, participating in choline and phosphatidylcholine biosynthesis pathways. Because of its diverse roles, phosphorylcholine is valuable in immunology, biochemistry, and drug development research.