The asymmetric unit of the title compound, C17H13NO2, contains two independent molecules which differ primarily in the rotational orientation of the pendant phenyl group, being conrotatory, with respect to the plane of the quinoline moiety. In the crystal, the molecules form stacks parallel to the b axis through π–π stacking interactions of the heterocyclic rings [shortest inter-centroid distance = 3.5775 (8) Å].
