Accurate H-atom parameters for the two polymorphs of L-histidine at 5, 105 and 295

The crystal structure of the monoclinic polymorph of the primary amino acid l-histidine has been determined for the first time by single-crystal neutron diffraction, while that of the orthorhombic polymorph has been reinvestigated with an untwinned crystal, improving the experimental precision and accuracy. For each polymorph, neutron diffraction data were collected at 5, 105 and 295 K. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction experiments were also performed at the same temperatures. The two polymorphs, whose crystal packing is interpreted by intermolecular interaction energies calculated using the Pixel method, show differences in the energy and geometry of the hydrogen bond formed along the c direction. Taking advantage of the X-ray diffraction data collected at 5 K, the precision and accuracy of the new Hirshfeld atom refinement method implemented in NoSpherA2 were probed choosing various settings of the functionals and basis sets, together with the use of explicit clusters of molecules and enhanced rigid-body restraints for H atoms. Equivalent atomic coordinates and anisotropic displacement parameters were compared and found to agree well with those obtained from the corresponding neutron structural models.

Automated summary

The crystal structure of the monoclinic polymorph of l-histidine has been determined for the first time using single-crystal neutron diffraction, while the orthorhombic polymorph has been reinvestigated to improve experimental precision and accuracy. The study reveals differences in hydrogen bond energy and geometry between the two polymorphs, with molecular packing interpreted by intermolecular interaction energies calculated using the Pixel method. The precision and accuracy of the new Hirshfeld atom refinement method implemented in NoSpherA2 were probed, showing good agreement with neutron structural models.