Used as a metabolic intermediate in biochemical research, particularly in studies related to propionic acid metabolism and organic acidurias. Serves as a biomarker for propionic acidemia in clinical diagnostics, helping identify inborn errors of metabolism through urine or blood analysis. Also employed in microbiology for bacterial differentiation, as certain microorganisms produce 2-methylcitric acid during fermentation processes. Its presence aids in the detection and identification of pathogens like *Salmonella* species in diagnostic laboratories.