溶于醇、醚、苯等大多数常规有机溶剂，水溶解度: 3-3.5%。有机合成中间体。 2-氧代环戊烷甲酸乙酯参与伯醇和仲醇的钴 (II) Schiff 碱络合物催化氧化 。 应用 2-氧代环戊烷甲酸乙酯用于 (±)- 顺，顺 -螺 [4.4] 壬烷-1,6-二醇的立体选择性合成 。也用于合成 tanikolide Phase-transfer benzylation reaction of ethyl 2-oxocyclopentanecarboxylate with benzyl bromide in microreactor has been investigated. Ethyl 2-oxocyclopentanecarboxylate participates in cobalt (II) Schiff′s base complex catalyzed oxidation of primary and secondary alcohols. Ethyl 2-oxocyclopentanecarboxylate was used in stereoselective synthesis of (±)-cis,cis-spiro[4.4]nonane-1,6-diol. It was also used in the synthesis of tanikolide.