2-Deoxy-D-glucose is a glucose analog structurally similar to glucose but lacking the hydroxyl group at the 2-position, which prevents its complete metabolism and inhibits glycolysis. It is used extensively in research to study glucose metabolism, particularly in cancer cells. This aids in understanding metabolic pathways and identifying potential therapeutic targets. It is applied in positron emission tomography (PET) imaging, often radiolabeled, to visualize and diagnose tumors or areas of high metabolic activity like inflammation due to its uptake by metabolically active cells. Additionally, it is investigated for its potential antiviral properties, as it disrupts viral replication by interfering with energy production in infected cells.