In the crystal structure of NaH, [O,CCH,],the residues CH,C02H and CH,COa-are crystallographically distinct; they are co-ordinated to the Na+ ions forming chains parallel to the c axis, which are strengthened by short asymmetric hydrogen bonds. Intermolecular interactions hold together these parallel chains. The crystals are tetragonal,spacegroupP4,, with a = 8.266(1), c = 14.794(2) A, Z = 4, and R = 0.050 for 609 ' observed 'reflections