Used as a stable isotope-labeled tracer in metabolic studies to track the citric acid cycle (Krebs cycle) in cells. Its isotopic labeling at the 2 and 3 carbon positions allows researchers to monitor metabolic flux, particularly in pathways involving succinate dehydrogenase and fumarase. Commonly applied in isotopomer analysis using NMR or mass spectrometry to study mitochondrial function, energy metabolism, and metabolic disorders. Also employed in labeling experiments in cancer research, microbiology, and biotechnology to understand substrate utilization and biosynthetic pathways.