Used in biochemical research as a key intermediate in the isoprenoid biosynthesis pathway. Serves as a substrate for prenyltransferases involved in protein prenylation, a post-translational modification critical for membrane association of small GTPases. Applied in studies of cell signaling, proliferation, and cancer biology. Also utilized in enzymatic assays to investigate terpene synthase activity and in the production of longer-chain polyprenyl compounds. Its ammonium salt form enhances solubility and stability in aqueous reaction systems.