In order to understand the influence that the position of the nitro group on the aromatic ring has on the relative stability of two isomers, the standard enthalpies of formation of 3- and 4-nitrophthalic anhydride in the gaseous phase, at T = 298.15 K, were obtained by experimental thermochemistry and theoretical studies. The standard enthalpies of formation in the crystalline phase, at T = 298.15 K, were obtained by combustion calorimetry and the enthalpies of sublimation by the Knudsen method. For the theoretical calculations, a standard ab initio molecular orbital method at the G3 level was used. The enthalpies of formation in the gaseous phase were obtained from atomization and isodesmic reactions. A theoretical study of the molecular and electronic structures of these compounds was also performed. Differences of -9.7 kJ·mol-1, for 3-nitrophthalic anhydride, and -2.6 kJ·mol-1 for 4-nitrophthalic anhydride, were found from a comparison between our theoretical and experimental results.