Experimental and theoretical studies of 1,2-di(3-hydroxypyridinium)-ethylene dibromide

► Crystal structure of 1,2-di(3-hydroxypyridinium)-ethylene dibromide. ► The dication and hydrogen-bonded anions are located on the inversion center. ► Bromide anions are involved in OH⋯Br and CH⋯Br hydrogen bonds. ► N+⋯Br− electrostatic interactions are observed in the isolated structure. ► FTIR spectrum confirms the medium-strong hydrogen bond.