1,2-Cyclopentanedione is the organic compound with the formula (CH<sub>2</sub>)<sub>3</sub>(CO)<sub>2</sub>. It is one of two isomeric cyclopentanediones, the other being 1,3-cyclopentanedione. It was first prepared by base-induced condensation of di ethylglutarate with diethyloxalate, followed by hydrolysis of the resulting diketodiester followed by decarboxylation. The enol is predicted to be about 1-3 kcal/mol more stable than the diketo form. The enol structure has been confirmed by X-ray crystallography.
Structurally related to 1,2-cyclopentanedione is 2-hydroxy-3-methyl-2-cyclopenten-1-one is a flavor additive, also called cyclotene.