Sodium halide complexes of ribose derivatives and their unusual crystal structures

► Sodium halide complexes of d-ribose and some of its derivatives were prepared. ► d-ribono-1,4-lactone complex crystals show varying compositions and H2O content. ► Anhydrous methyl β-d-ribopyranoside complex has an unusual 1C4 form. ► Na+ - coordination shows flexibility. ► Such complexes can be easily prepared in solid state reactions in a ball mill