The potential of intermolecular N⋯O interactions of nitro groups in crystal engineering, as revealed by structures of hexakis(4-nitrophenyl)benzene

The behavior of hexakis(4-nitrophenyl)benzene confirms that intermolecular N⋯O interactions of NO2 groups can help crystal engineers to position molecules with a useful degree of predictability, particularly when stronger interactions such as hydrogen bonds are absent, and when competition with other weak interactions is limited.