Used as a selective inhibitor of methane production in anaerobic environments, particularly in studies involving rumen fermentation and wastewater treatment. It blocks the activity of methanogenic archaea by interfering with coenzyme M, a key component in methane biosynthesis. This makes it valuable in research aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions from livestock and anaerobic digesters. Also employed in microbiological research to manipulate metabolic pathways in anaerobic cultures.