2-Methoxy-1-methyl-4-nitro-1H-imidazole

The molecule of the title compound, C5H7N3O3, is approximately planar. The maximum deviation from the least-squares plane calculated for all non-H atoms is 0.054 (2) Å. The dihedral angles between the mean plane of the imidazole ring [planar within 0.0017 (6) Å] and the planes of the nitro and methoxy groups are 2.9 (1) and 1.2 (1)°, respectively. The molecules are held together by weak C—H...N and C—H...O interactions and by van der Waals forces.