In the title compound, C8H3N3O2 (systematic name: 4-nitro-benzene-1,2-dicarbo-nitrile), the nitro group is twisted out of the plane of the benzene ring to which it is attached [O-N-Cring-Cring torsion angle = 9.80 (13)°]. In the crystal packing, supra-molecular layers with a zigzag topology in the ac plane are sustained by C-H⋯N inter-actions.
In the title compound, C8H7N3O4 (systematic name: 4-nitro-benzene-1,2-dicarboxamide), each of the substituents is twisted out of the plane of the benzene ring to which it is attached [dihedral angles of 11.36 (2)° for the nitro group, and 60.89 (6) and 34.39 (6)° for the amide groups]. The amide groups are orientated to either side of the least-squares plane through the benzene ring with the amine groups being directed furthest apart. In the crystal, a three-dimensional architecture is established by a network of N-H⋯O hydrogen bonds.