<P> However, there is an alternative theory for the structure of water . In 2004, a controversial paper from Stockholm University suggested that water molecules in liquid form typically bind not to four but to only two others; thus forming chains and rings . The term "string theory of water" (which is not to be confused with the string theory of physics) was coined . These observations were based upon X-ray absorption spectroscopy that probed the local environment of individual oxygen atoms . </P> <P> At standard conditions, water is a polar liquid that slightly dissociates disproportionately or self ionizes into an hydronium ion and hydroxide ion . </P> <Dl> <Dd> O ⇌ H O + OH </Dd> </Dl> <Dd> O ⇌ H O + OH </Dd>

Describe the general structure of a water molecule