Used in cancer research to target tumor metabolism by selectively inhibiting the PKM2 enzyme, which plays a key role in the Warburg effect—where cancer cells favor glycolysis for energy production even in the presence of oxygen. By modulating PKM2 activity, compound 3k can shift cancer cell metabolism toward a more normal state, reducing proliferation and inducing apoptosis. It shows potential in preclinical studies for suppressing tumor growth in cancers such as lung, breast, and liver carcinomas. Also used as a tool compound to study metabolic reprogramming in cancer cells and to develop combination therapies with other anticancer agents.