Used as a stable isotope-labeled tracer in metabolic studies to track the citric acid cycle and cellular respiration pathways. Enables precise monitoring of biochemical transformations in vivo and in vitro due to its non-radioactive 13C labeling. Commonly applied in NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry for accurate detection and quantification of metabolic intermediates. Supports research in cancer metabolism, mitochondrial disorders, and drug development by providing clear isotopic signatures in complex biological matrices.