Structural studies of metabolic products of dopamine. IV. Crystal and molecular structure of (-)-noradrenaline.

The crystal structure of (-)-noradrenaline has been determined by X-ray methods, using 1000 observed reflections collected by counter diffractometer techniques. The crystals are orthorhombic, space group P212121, with a=8.611(2), B=6.138(2), And c=14.912(4) A. Least-squares refinements yielded a conventional R-factor of 0.036. Standard deviations in bond lengths are 0.003 A and in bond angles 0.2 degrees. The crystal structure of (-)-noradrenaline corresponds closely to that of (-)-adrenaline in molecular geometry, conformation, and arrangement in the crystals. The results of the structure investigations are discussed in relation to the biological activity of these biogenic amines.