Poly[μ3-β-alanine-aqua-μ4-sulfato-dilithium]

The title compound, [Li2(SO4)(C3H7NO2)(H2O)]n, is a coordination polymer in which the β-alanine residues remain in the zwitterionic form. The crystal structure consists of corrugated sheets of [LiO4] and [SO4] tetrahedra parallel to (010) with the β-alanine molecules located between the sheets. The two independent Li+ cations are four-coordinated by O atoms in a distorted tetrahedral geometry. The crystal structure is formed by stacking of alternate organic and inorganic layers along the a axis. The crystal structure is further stabilized by N—H...O hydrogen bonds.