Used as a metabolic probe in biochemical research, particularly in studies involving nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) metabolism. It acts as an analog of nicotinamide, interfering with NAD-dependent enzymatic reactions, which helps in investigating enzyme mechanisms and cellular redox processes. Commonly applied in microbiology and enzymology to inhibit specific dehydrogenases and assess metabolic pathways in bacteria and yeast. Also utilized in the development of biosensors due to its electrochemical properties when interacting with certain enzymes.