4-{4-[(E)-(2-Hydroxyphenyl)iminomethyl]phenoxy}benzene-1,2-dicarbonitrile

Abstract

The asymmetric unit of the title compound, C21H13N3O2, contains two independent molecules with a similar structure. In one molecule, the central benzene ring is oriented with respect to the terminal benzene rings at 27.23 (7) and 67.96 (7)°; in the other molecule, the corresponding dihedral angles are 12.42 (7) and 64.55 (7)°. In both molecules, there is a short O—H...N interaction involving the OH group and the adjacent N atom. In the crystal, there are O—H...N hydrogen bonds, and C—H...O and N—H...O interactions linking the molecules to form a three-dimensional network. π–π stacking between the pyridine and benzene rings and between the benzene rings [centroid–centroid distances = 3.989 (2), 3.705 (2) and 3.607 (2) Å] may further stabilize the structure. A weak C—H...π interaction is present in the crystal.