The title compound, C₁₇H₁₀F₅N₅O₂, is described and compared with its 4-nitrophenyl isomer [Bustos, Sánchez, Schott, Alvarez-Thon & Fuentealba (2007). Acta Cryst. E63, o1138-o1139]. The title molecule presents its nitro group split into two rotationally disordered components, which in conjunction with the rotation of the ‘unclamped’ rings constitute the main molecular differences. Packing is directed by a head-to-tail type ‘I’ C–F⋯F-C interaction, generating double-chain strips running along [100]. These substructures are interlinked by a variety of weak F⋯F, O⋯F, F⋯π and O⋯π interactions.