Infrared spectra of hydrogen dipalmitates with various cations (Li, Na
, K, Cs, N(CH3)(4)) were examined for features that characterize hydro
gen bonding in the carboxylic diads. The observed features are similar
to those exhibited by Speakman's pseudo-A type acid salts. The layere
d packing of palmitic residues established by X-ray powder diffraction
s permits either inter- or intralayer hydrogen bonding. Arguments in f
avour of the latter are presented.