Experimental

R factor = 0.044; wR factor = 0.116; data-to-parameter ratio = 16.1. In the title molecule, C9H9NO2, the non-H atoms are essentially coplanar with a maximum deviation of 0.027 (2) A ̊ for the C atom of one of the methyl groups. In the crystal, the molecules are arranged into centrosymmetric pairs via pairs of C—H O and C—H N interactions whereas – stacking interactions between the benzene rings [centroid–centroid distance 3.91001 (15) Å] organize them into polymeric strands propagating along the a-axis direction. There is a step of 0.644 (2) A ̊ between the two planar parts of the centrosymmetric pair. In neighboring strands related by the n-glide operation, the aromatic rings are tilted by 29.08 (2). Related literature For the use of the title compound as a key reagent in the synthesis of pharmaceutically active heterocycles, see: Bergeron et al. (2006); Delgado et al. (1987). For another method of preparation of the title compound, see: Ushijima et al. (2012). For the crystal structures of aromatic nitriles, see: Buschmann et al. (1995); Zabinski et al. (2007); Zanotti et al. (1980)