Used in biochemical research as a key intermediate in the non-mevalonate pathway (MEP pathway) for isoprenoid biosynthesis. Serves as a substrate in enzymatic assays involving IspD, IspE, and other pathway-specific kinases and transferases. Employed in studies of antibiotic development, since the MEP pathway is present in many pathogenic bacteria but absent in humans, making it a target for selective antimicrobial agents. Also utilized in metabolic engineering and isotopic labeling experiments to trace isoprenoid precursor flux in microbial and plant systems.