Acta Cryst. (2008). E64, o400  [ doi:10.1107/S1600536807068122 ]

Ethane-1,2-diylbis(methylphosphinic acid)

G. J. Reiss and J. S. Engel

Abstract: In the title compound, C₄H₁₂O₄P₂, there are two crystallographically independent half-molecules in the asymmetric unit, both molecules lying on centres of symmetry. Each molecule is connected on both sides to neighbouring molecules via strong O-HO hydrogen bonds. The -POOH groups accept and donate one hydrogen bond in interactions with the neighbouring -POOH group of the adjacent molecule, to give one-dimensional chains along [10]. As each phosphinic acid group donates and accepts one hydrogen bond, the connection between the molecules is best described by a ring motif which can be classified by the Etter symbol R₂²(8).

Online 9 January 2008

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