Abstract: A cyclopentenone derivative represented by the following formula [I] or an optically active substance or a salt thereof. ##STR1## (In the formula, R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are same or different and each of them is straight or branched alkyl group, straight or branched alkenyl group, aromatic group, aromatic-aliphatic group or H with a proviso that the case where R.sub.1 =R.sub.2 =H, or R.sub.1 =benzyl group and R.sub.2 =H is excluded.