  By constructing an Ising analogue of compact-star matter at sub-saturation
density we explored the effect of Coulomb frustration on the nuclear liquid-gas
phase transition. Our conclusions is twofold. First, the range of temperatures
where inhomogeneous phases form expands with increasing Coulomb-field strength.
Second, within the approximation of uniform electron distribution, the limiting
point upon which the phase-coexistence region ends does not exhibit any
critical behaviour. Possible astrophysics consequences and thermodynamical
connections are discussed.
