Crystals of γ- and ∊-hexanitrohexaazaisowurtzitane (γ- and ∊-HNIW, space groupP21/nfor both crystals) have been investigated in the 100–298 K temperature range using single-crystal X-ray diffraction techniques. Temperature-dependent changes of their crystal lattices have been evaluated from the second-rank thermal expansion tensors. Both lattices undergo anisotropic thermal expansion, that of γ-HNIW being more anisotropic than that of the ∊ phase. Comparison with previously reported predictions from molecular dynamics calculations indicates significant differences. Although there are many short (less than van der Waals) intermolecular interactions in both polymorphs, there is no obvious relationship between the short distances and the difference in thermal expansion behavior. Non-linear temperature dependence of the atomic displacement parameters is indicative of anharmonicity of the crystal mean field potential.
