Used in biochemical research as a key intermediate in the pentose phosphate pathway, particularly in studies involving carbohydrate metabolism and enzyme kinetics. Serves as a substrate for transaldolase and transketolase enzymes, enabling investigation of metabolic flux in cancer cells and microbial systems. Also applied in isotopic labeling experiments to trace metabolic pathways in cell cultures. Its barium salt form enhances stability and solubility in aqueous reaction mixtures, making it suitable for in vitro enzymatic assays.