The molecular structure of ranitidine hydrochloride (RAN-HCl) has an important influence on the growth of individual crystals and consequently the physical properties such as bulk solid density. This paper suggests that the correct structure of the nitroethenediamine moiety in the Form 2 RAN-HCl is a mixture of enamine and nitronic acid tautomers. Thermal analysis showed that the difference between the two forms is configurational rather than conformational. It also showed explosive type of degradation at the melting point of both forms. Solid-state NMR studies suggest that Form 2 contains molecular disorder whereas Form I may be more ordered. A single crystal X-ray study confirms the disorder in Form 2 but a similar study on Form I could not be performed and its suspected order can only be inferred. It was found that significant amounts of strongly polar solvents such as methanol and water would favour the production of Form 2; while anhydrous less polar or non-polar solvents will result in the production of Form 1. Chloride ion acts as the bridge between the individual molecules of RAN-HCl in the crystal structure of Form 2. (C) 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.