We report the structural and electrochemical characteristics of FePO4 clihydrate exhibiting a monoclinic structure (P2(1)/n space group). We have applied Raman and FTIR spectroscopy to study the local structure. Vibrational features analyzed using the molecular group model show the strong inductive effect in the [FePO4] framework. The electrode FePO(4)center dot 2H(2)O material inserts 0.7 Li ions per mole leading to coulombic efficiency of 74% for the first cycle and specific capacity of 106mAhg(-1). Infrared spectrum of the lithiated product shows structural modifications clue to the lithium insertion and the reduction of iron ions. (c) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.