Lattice parameters of deuterated scandium triacetate have been determi
ned by high-resolution neutron diffraction at temperatures between 5 a
nd 200 K. Two phase transitions were located at 66 and 159 K in agreem
ent with a calorimetric experiment. A large anisotropy of the thermal
expansivity was found and it is discussed in terms of the different na
ture of the chemical bonds combining the molecules in the crystal.