The molecule is a benzene ring with 1,2,4-substitution.
- Position 1: a nitro group (-NO2) directly attached to the ring; nitrogen is formally positive, one N=O double bond, and one N-O- single bond to an anionic oxygen.
- Position 2: a side chain beginning with a secondary amine linkage (-NH-) and continuing as a three-carbon chain terminated by a hydroxyl: -NH-CH2-CH2-CH2-OH.
- Position 4: a cyano group (-C#N) (carbon triple-bonded to nitrogen).