Used as a key intermediate in biochemical research for studying the mevalonate pathway, which plays a central role in cholesterol and isoprenoid biosynthesis. It serves as a substrate in enzyme assays involving kinases and decarboxylases, helping to investigate metabolic regulation and enzyme kinetics. Due to its lithium salt form, it offers improved solubility and stability in aqueous solutions, making it suitable for in vitro studies. Also utilized in cell-free systems to reconstitute metabolic pathways and screen potential inhibitors for drug development.