The structure of the title compound, [Co(C(5)H(6)NO(4))(3)], consists of a Co(III) ion octahedrally coordinated by three bidentate 3-nitro-pentane-2,4-dionate ligands. The complex was prepared via the nitration of tris-(2,4-penta-nedionato-κ(2)O,O')cobalt(III) with a solution of copper(II) nitrate in glacial acetic acid. The central C atom and the nitro group of one 3-nitro-pentane-2,4-dionate ligand are disordered over two positions with an occupancy ratio of 0.848 (4):0.152 (4). A second nitro group is also disordered over two orientations with an occupancy ratio of 0.892 (7):0.108 (7). Two of the ligand methyl groups form C-H⋯O inter-actions with two different nitro groups to form chains running along the c axis. Additional C-H⋯O inter-actions are found between ligand methyl groups and the cobalt-bound O atoms, also resulting in the formation of chains along the c axis.