X-Ray Diffraction Patterns and Crystal Structures of Riboflavin Tetrabutyrate

Abstract

The X-ray diffraction patterns of two polymorphic forms of riboflavin tetrabutyrate (RTB) powders were examined. The orange powder showed sharp peaks suggesting a well-crystallized material, while the yellow powder showed broad peaks suggesting a polymer-like material. By using the cell constants of RTB crystal, all peaks in the Debye-Sheller powder patterns of RTB were assigned. Increase of the ratio of H₂O in the recrystallization solvent (MeOH-H₂O) decreased the peak intensities of X-ray patterns corresponding to specific faces of RTB crystals, reflecting the direction of growth of RTB crystals in the presence of H₂O.