Azetidine-2,4-dione is a cyclic compound that belongs to the class of five-membered heterocycles. It features a nitrogen atom in its ring structure, along with two carbonyl groups (C=O) at the 2 and 4 positions. This compound is also known as pyrrolidine-2,4-dione and is a derivative of pyrrolidine, which is a saturated five-membered ring containing nitrogen. The compound is of interest in organic chemistry due to its potential applications in the synthesis of various pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals. Its unique structure allows for reactivity that can be harnessed in chemical reactions, making it a valuable building block in the development of more complex molecules.