The enzyme 5-dehydro-4-deoxyglucarate dehydratase (EC 4.2.1.41) catalyzes the chemical reaction

5-dehydro-4-deoxy-D-glucarate ${\displaystyle \rightleftharpoons }$ 2,5-dioxopentanoate + H₂O + CO₂

This enzyme belongs to the family of lyases, specifically the hydro-lyases, which cleave carbon-oxygen bonds. The systematic name of this enzyme class is 5-dehydro-4-deoxy-D-glucarate hydro-lyase (decarboxylating 2,5-dioxopentanoate-forming). Other names in common use include 5-keto-4-deoxy-glucarate dehydratase, deoxyketoglucarate dehydratase, D-4-deoxy-5-ketoglucarate hydro-lyase, and 5-dehydro-4-deoxy-D-glucarate hydro-lyase (decarboxylating). This enzyme participates in ascorbate and aldarate metabolism.

• Jeffcoat R, Hassall H, Dagley S (1969). "Purification and properties of D-4-deoxy-5-oxoglucarate hydro-lyase (decarboxylating)". Biochem. J. 115 (5): 977–83. PMC 1185240. PMID 4982840.