Abstract
The asymmetric unit of the title compound, C17H13N3, contains two independent molecules, which are non-planar as they are buckled owing to the ethylene portion. The dihedral angle between the benzene rings is 26.4 (1)degrees in one molecule and 32.9 (1)degrees in the other. In the crystal, the molecules are disposed about a false inversion center, and are linked by two N-H center dot center dot center dot N hydrogen bonds, generating a dimer. The dimers are linked by further N-H center dot center dot center dot N hydrogen bonds, resulting in a chain that runs along the longest axis of the orthorhombic unit cell.