2-Azido-2-deoxy-D-glucose is primarily utilized in biochemical and medical research as a metabolic probe. It is commonly employed to study glucose metabolism in cells, particularly in the context of cancer research, where altered metabolic pathways are a key focus. The azido group allows for click chemistry applications, enabling researchers to label and track the compound within biological systems. This makes it a valuable tool for imaging and analyzing cellular uptake and distribution of glucose analogs. Additionally, it is used in the development of glycoconjugates and as a precursor in the synthesis of bioactive molecules, contributing to advancements in drug discovery and targeted therapies.