A substituted EDOT precursor: diethyl 3,4-dihydroxythiophene-2,5-dicarboxylate.

The title compound, C(10)H(12)O(6)S, has been obtained as dark-yellow chunk-shaped crystals, together with the expected thin white needles. The structures of the two phases are identical. Two independent molecules compose the asymmetric unit: one molecule is totally planar, whereas a methyl group of the second molecule points out of the plane. Each molecule participates in several intra- and intermolecular hydrogen bonds and short contacts. The overall structure can be regarded as parallel sheets of molecules. Within a sheet, molecules are connected to one another in an infinite network via numerous short intermolecular contacts. Sheets are connected via hydrogen bonds and short contacts, in particular involving the methyl groups.