The title compound, C(17)H(10)F(5)N(5)O(2), 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.