We have determined the crystal structure of the low-melting cr-pyrone
(2-pyrone, C5H4O2) at 150 K. The C-C bond distances within the ring ex
hibit substantial bond-length alternation, indicating that the molecul
e may be described largely in terms of a localized bond model. The alp
ha-pyrone molecules are packed in a herringbone fashion in the unit ce
ll.