The 1:1 complex of deoxycholic acid [(3 alpha,5 beta,12 alpha)-3,12-di
hydroxy-5-cholan-24-oic acid, C24H40O4; DCA] and salicylic acid (C7H6O
3; SA) has been determined. The side-chain conformation of deoxycholic
acid is trans, which is coupled with an intermediate conformation of
ring D. No characteristic bilayer structure was found. Salicylic acid
is trapped in a channel formed by DCA molecules.