In benzene-1,2,3-tricarbonitrile, C9H3N3, the packing of the two independent molecules is three-dimensional and complex, involving inter alia bifurcated (C-H)2...N systems from neighbouring CH groups. In [2.2]paracyclophane-4,5,12,13-tetracarbonitrile, C20H12N4, the [2.2]paracyclophane systems display the usual distortions, namely lengthened C-C bonds and widened sp3 angles in the bridges, narrow angles in the six-membered rings at the bridgehead atoms, and flattened boat conformations of the rings. The molecules are linked by a series of C-H...N interactions to form layers parallel to the ab plane.