Abstract. C19H210/P , m.p. 181-183 °, orthorhombic, space group Pc2~b, a=8.1319 (6), b=8.5671 (7), c= 24.081 (3) A, Z=4, M=312.33, Dx=1-236, O,,= 1.236 gcm -3. The title compound exists in ~he enol form having a C(2)-C(3) bond length of 1.357 A. The stereochemistry at P and C(5) is trans as is the stereochemistry at C(4) and C(5). A strong hydrogen bond is formed between the P--O and O-H related by the twofold screw axis.