Form III of 2,2′,4,4′,6,6′‐hexanitro­azobenzene (HNAB‐III)

The crystal structure of form III of the title compound, HNAB systematic name: bis(2,4,6‐trinitro­phenyl)diazene], C₁₂H₄N₈O₁₂, has finally been solved as a pseudo‐merohedral twin (monoclinic space group P2₁, rather than the ortho­rhombic space group C222₁ suggested by diffraction symmetry) using a dual space recycling method. The significant differences in the room‐temperature densities of the three crystalline forms allow examination of molecular differences due to packing arrangements. An interesting relationship with the stilbene analog, HNS, is discussed. Interatomic separations are compared with other explosives and/or nitro‐containing compounds.