The host molecules of the yellow title compound, 4,5-bis(4-methoxyphenyl)-2
-(3-nitrophenyl)-1H-imidazole-ethyl acetate (1/0.33), C23H19N3O4. 1/3C(4)H(
8)O(2), (1), are arranged in a cross fashion through intermolecular hydroge
n bonding between the N-H and N=C moieties of the imidazole ring. The ethyl
acetate guest molecules are arranged in columns along the c axis. By heati
ng under reduced pressure, (1) lost the guest molecules to become the non-s
olvated analogue, C23H19N3O4, without destruction of the network of host mo
lecules.