Abstract
The crystal structure of orthorhombic MgSO4,7H2O has been refined anisotropically to a final R of 0·048 over 900 independent neutron reflexions from a synthetic crystal. For the positional parameters of the 14 crystallographically independent hydrogen atoms, estimated standard deviations are ca. 0·007 A, double those for the other atoms. All hydrogen atoms (mean O–H 0·964 A) are engaged in hydrogen bonds, ranging from 2·692(7) to 2·982(7)A. The W(7) water molecule, unique in that it is not co-ordinated to the magnesium, is engaged in relatively weak [(2·820(7) and 2·903(7)A] appreciably non-linear hydrogen bonds; it may be partially absent in water-deficient natural specimens. The assumption of coplanarity of water atoms and oxygen-acceptor atoms proves to be an unreliable guide to hydrogen positions.
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