Poly[μ-2,3-dihydroxy­propan-1-olato-sodium]

The Na(+) cation in the title compound, [Na(C(3)H(7)O(3))](n) or Na[H(2)gl], is coordinated by five O atoms leading to a distorted trigonal-bipyramidal geometry. The negatively charged O atom of the glycerolate anion is in an equatorial position, and the O atom of the hydroxo group, attached to the secondary C atom, occupies an axial position completing a five-membered non-planar chelate ring; this defines the asymmetric unit. The Na(+) cation is coordinated by three other symmetry-related monodentate H(2)gl(−) ligands, so that each H(2)gl(−) ligand is bonded to four Na(+) ions. The H(2)gl(−) ligands are connected via strong O—H⋯O hydrogen bonds and these, together with the Na⋯O inter­connections, are responsible for the formation of polymeric sheets which propagate in the directions of the b and c axes.