1-nitrobenzo[c]cinnoline

The title compound, C12H7N3O2, is a 1-nitro derivative of the ligand benzo[ c]cinnoline. The rings in the benzo[c]cinnoline skeleton are close to plana rity, while the skeleton itself is non-planar. The dihedral angles between the rings in the benzo[c]cinnoline skeleton are alpha<^>beta 4.0(5), alpha< ^>gamma 8.4(2) and beta<^>gamma 4.5(4)degrees; in benzo[c]cinnoline the alp ha<^>gamma dihedral angle is 2.5 degrees. The difference is caused by steri c interactions between the nitro group and benzo[c]cinnoline skeleton.