Key indicators: single-crystal X-ray study; T = 103 K; mean (C-C) = 0.001 Å; R factor = 0.041; wR factor = 0.114; data-to-parameter ratio = 21.3. The title compound, C 21 H 22 O 5 , a derivative of the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory compound curcumin, crystallizes with two molecules (A and B) in the asymmetric unit. The mean planes of the two 3,4-dimethoxyphenyl groups in A and B make dihedral angles of 57.9 (7) and 33.4 (3) . An extensive network of intermolecular C-HÁ Á ÁO hydrogen bonds

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... lizes the crystal packing. Comment The title compound, C 21 H 22 O 5 , 1,5-bis(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl) penta-1,4-dien-3-one, (I), is a biologically active compound. Derivatives of dibenzylidene acetone, cyclopentanone and cyclohexanone exhibit potent anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antioxidation activity. Closely related to the title compound is Curcumin, (1,7-bis(4-hydroxy-3-methoxy-phenyl)hepta-