(2RS)-3-Hydroxy-2-methyl-2-(2-pyridyl)imidazolidine-4-one

The title structure, C9H11N3O2, is a racemate. The chiral centre is situated at the N-C-N C atom of the imidazolidine ring. The interplanar angle between the mean planes of the pyridine and imidazolidine rings is 89.41 (5)degrees. The methyl group is in a trans position with respect to the pyridine N atom. In the crystal, the molecules are arranged in zigzag layers parallel to the b axis. The molecules within the layers are interconnected by strong O-H center dot center dot center dot N and weak N-H center dot center dot center dot O hydrogen bonds; the former take place between OH groups and amine N atoms and the latter between the amine N atom and the carbonyl O atom. In addition, C-H center dot center dot center dot O interactions are also present.