Used primarily as a biochemical tool in research settings, particularly in studies related to glucose metabolism. It acts as an inhibitor of certain metabolic pathways by interfering with the normal processing of glucose in cells. This compound is valuable in experiments aiming to understand glycolysis and glucose transport mechanisms. It has also been explored for its potential in radiolabeled form to track metabolic activity in tissues, especially in cancer research where altered glucose metabolism is a key feature. Its ability to mimic glucose allows it to be taken up by cells through glucose transporters, making it useful for probing cellular uptake mechanisms.