Used as an inhibitor of enzymes involved in carbohydrate metabolism, particularly in research settings to study metabolic pathways. It interferes with phosphate-dependent enzymes due to its structural similarity to phosphate-containing intermediates. Commonly employed in biochemical assays to probe enzyme mechanisms and regulate metabolic flux. Also investigated for potential use in controlling microbial growth by disrupting energy production in cells. Its analog structure makes it valuable in designing enzyme inhibitors for therapeutic or agricultural applications.