A solution of PhNHNH 2 (1 mmol) and PhCOCH 2 CO 2 Et (1 mmol) in EtOH (15 ml) was refluxed for 1 h. The reaction mixture was maintained at room temperature and crystals of the titled compound were collected after 2 days, M.pt: 408-410 K: lit. value 409-411 K (Kimata et al., 2007) . IR and NMR spectra are in agreement with published data (Castagnolo 