Used primarily as a selective reducing agent in organic synthesis, especially in reductive amination reactions where it converts carbonyl compounds into amines in the presence of aldehydes or ketones. Its deuterated structure allows for isotopic labeling, making it valuable in tracer studies and metabolic research. Due to its stability in aqueous solutions and mild reactivity, it is preferred in biochemical applications, including the synthesis of labeled amino acids and pharmaceuticals. It is also employed in deuterium incorporation to study reaction mechanisms and improve the pharmacokinetic properties of drug candidates.