The crystal structure of β-glycine

Abstract

The crystal structure of the unstable form of glycine, \beta, has been determined. The structure was refined by Fourier methods using the (h0l) and (0kl) data obtained by Geiger counter measurements. The crystals are monoclinic with space group P2_1 and the unit-cell dimensions are a = 5.077, b = 6.268 A; \beta = 113.2deg. The structure consists of hydrogen bonded molecular layers, extending parallel to the (010) plane, which have the same configuration of molecules as that found in the \alpha-form. The two forms differ in their hydrogen bond systems between layers.