Floridoside (2-α-O-D-galactopyranosyl glycerol) is a glycerol glycoside that is biosynthesised by most species of red algae and has been implicated as an intracellular regulator of various homeostatic functions. Here, we report the identification of two unforeseen crystal forms of the ubiquitous natural osmolyte floridoside including a seemingly unheralded second anhydrous conformational polymorph and the unambiguous description of an elusive monohydrated variant. By employing a variety of thermal and spectroscopic techniques, we begin to explore both their macro and molecular physicochemical properties, which are notably different to that of the previously reported polymorph. This work advances the characterisation of this important natural biomolecule which could aid in facilitating optimised utilisation across a variety of anthropocentric applications and improve comprehension of its role in-vivo as a preeminent compatible solute.

花里苷 (2-α- O-D-吡喃半乳糖基甘油) 是一种甘油糖苷，由大多数红藻物种生物合成，并被认为是各种稳态功能的细胞内调节剂。在这里，我们报告了对无处不在的天然渗透剂花里苷的两种未预料到的晶体形式的鉴定，包括一种看似未知的第二种无水构象多晶型物和对难以捉摸的一水合物变体的明确描述。通过采用各种热学和光谱技术，我们开始探索它们的宏观和分子物理化学性质，这些性质与之前报道的多晶型物明显不同。