Tetrahedral-atom zincophosphate structures. Zinc diethyl phosphate, (Zn(O2P(OC2H5)2)2)x, a one-dimensional inorganic 'polymer.'

The characterization of zinc diethyl phosphate (Zn(O2P(OC2H5)2)2), which is prepared from the reaction of ZnO, triethyl phosphate and water, is presented. The complex consists of a one-dimensional chainlike structure with tetrahedral ionic cores surrounded by hydrocarbon coatings. These hydrophobic chains interact via van der Waals' attractive forces, which is characteristic of polymers. However, these chains are aligned, forming a normal, sharply diffracting crystal.