Abstract
The title compound, {Na(2)[Mg(2)(C(2)O(4))(3)(H(2)O)(2)]}(n), is isotypic with its Co analogue. There are two crystallographically independent oxalate groups in the asymmetric unit, one lying on an inversion center and the other on a general position. Mg(2+) ions are ligated by H(2)O mol-ecules and bridged by tri- and tetra-dentate oxalate ligands, forming ladder-like double chains that are held together via O-H⋯O hydrogen bonds, with Na(+) cations located between the chains to balance the charge.