The crystal structure of 2-methyl-2-phenyl-1,3-propanediol dicarbamate (methylfelbamate), C 12 H 16 N 2 O 4 , contains two independent molecules in the asymmetric unit. The hydrogenbonding scheme is three-dimensional and involves interactions of the type N-HÁ Á ÁO, C-HÁ Á ÁO and N-HÁ Á Á(arene). Stereochemical and molecular modelling investigations indicate that the mechanism for anti-epileptic action of the compound is probably different from those of other anticonvulsants.