Oxamic acid is primarily utilized in biochemical research as an inhibitor of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), an enzyme involved in anaerobic glycolysis. By inhibiting LDH, it helps in studying metabolic pathways and the role of lactate in cellular processes, particularly in cancer research where altered metabolism is a key feature. Additionally, oxamic acid finds application in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, where it serves as a building block for various drugs, including those targeting metabolic disorders. Its role in organic synthesis extends to the preparation of herbicides and other agrochemicals, contributing to the development of compounds that control weed growth. Furthermore, oxamic acid is used in analytical chemistry as a reagent for the determination of certain metals and in the study of enzyme kinetics, providing insights into catalytic mechanisms and enzyme behavior.