The title compound, C8H12O3, is the parent acid of a tentative ligand whose binding capability toward a metal ion is modified compared with the smaller and more hydrophilic glycolic acid. In the crystal structure, chains of homodromic rings made up of O—H–π and C=O–π co‐operative sequences are lined up along [100]. The homodromic rings are at the centres of tetramers of the title compound. They are 12‐membered and contain two carboxy OH, two alcohol OH and two C=O functions. The rings are connected along the chain direction by the central C—C bond of the acid. The hydrophilic chains are embedded in a lipophilic matrix of hydrocarbon residues.