3-Methyl-1,2-cyclopentanedione

Methylcyclopentenolone has a sweet flavor somewhat similar to licorice.

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Methylcyclopentenolone has a sweet flavor somewhat similar to licorice. This compound is also reported to have a nutty odor, and a maple-licorice aroma in dilute solution

Reported formed during the dry distillation of wood; found also in the corresponding tar oil; identified in fenugreek. Also reported found in black currants, onion, wheat bread, cured and cooked pork, beer, cocoa, coffee, barley, filbert, almond, sukiyaki, licorice, dried bonito and roasted chicory root

Sublimes and distills at atmospheric pressure with decomposition.

ChEBI: 3-Methyl-1,2-cyclopentanedione is a cyclic ketone.

Detection: 300 ppb

Taste characteristics at 5 ppm: sweet, maple, bready, caramellic with nutty nuances.

Synthesis, p. 104, 1975 DOI: 10.1055/s-1975-23673

3-Methyl-1,2-cyclopentanedione is present in coffee and is capable of scavenging peroxynitrite. It also has anti-inflammatory effects.