2-Hydroxypalmitic acid is a 2-hydroxy fatty acid consisting of a C16 chain with a hydroxyl substituent at position 2. This metabolite is considered a saturated long-chain fatty acid due to its straight chain. Consequently, it has potential as an anti-inflammatory agent, neuroprotection and defense against bacteria and cancer. 2-Hydroxypalmitic acid can also be used as a surfactant.

Sphingomyelin in the epidermis of murines have displayed the alpha-hydroxypalmitic acid in TLC bands. When murine papillomas were measured for the substance, it was diminished in SENCAR and SSIN phingomyelin, implying there is a selective process in tumorigenesis which causes hydrolysis of sphingomyelin containing such fatty acids.

In yeast, 2-Hydroxypalmitic acid was seen to increase when fumonisin B1, a compound similar to sphingolipds which enhances yeast 2-hydroxy fatty acids, was added to the growth medium.

2-keto-D-gluconic acid is found in the carrageenan polysaccharide of Irish moss and can be used as a stabilizer in the storage of biological materials. 2-keto-D-gluconic acid exhibits antimicrobial properties against species of Pseudomonas that cause plant disease. Genes for metabolism of 2-keto-d-gluconic acid are controlled by the UxuR regulon in E. coli. 2-keto-D-gluconic acid is converted to D-mannonate by the enzyme fructuronate reductase (EC 1.1.1.57). 2-keto-D-gluconic acid hemicalcium salt can be used to make D-erythorbic acid using an α-amylase enzyme. It can also be used to prepare D-ribulose and D-arabinose by heating in pyridine with a nickel acetate catalyst.

2-Ketoglutaric acid is a ketone derivative of glutaric acid and its anion is key intermediate in the Krebs cycle, after isocitrate and before succinyl CoA. It is an important nitrogen transporter and is transaminate along with glutamine to form glutamate. It can be used to differentiate microorganisms based on metabolic properties. It also possesses metabolic properties, decreasing the level of hydrogen peroxide in cell culture.

2-Methylhippuric acid is a derivative of hippuric acid. It is found in the urine of individuals infected with the hepatitis B virus, determined using HPLC.

2-Naphthyl caprylate is a chromogenic substrate for carboxylesterase and lipase. 2-naphthol is released upon hydrolyzation. By simultaneous coupling with a diazonium salt, the corresponding azo-dye is formed.

Naphthols can also be detected by fluorescence analysis, and can be used in a colorimetric assay for the extracellular lipase of Pseudomonas fluorescent B52.

2-Naphthyl myristate is a substrate for carboxylesterase. When coupled with a diazonium salt an azo-dye is formed. It can also be detected via fluorescence analysis.

2-Naphthyl-beta-D-galactopyranoside is a substrate for beta-galactosidase. 2-naphthol is released upon hydrolyzation. By simultaneous coupling with a suitable staining reagent, such as hexazonium p-rosaniline, the corresponding red-brown azo-dye is formed. Naphthols can also be detected by fluorescence analysis.

2-Naphthyl-α- L-fucopyranoside is a chromogenic substrate for α-L-Fucosidase. 2-naphthol is released upon hydrolyzation. By simultaneous coupling with a suitable staining reagent, such as hexazonium p-rosaniline, the corresponding azo-dye is formed. Naphthols can also be detected by fluorescence analysis.

2-Naphthyl-α-D-glucopyranoside is a substrate for α-glucosidase. 2-naphthol is released upon hydrolyzation. By simultaneous coupling with a suitable staining reagent, such as hexazonium p-rosaniline, the corresponding red-brown azo-dye is formed. Naphthols can also be detected by fluorescence analysis.

2-Nitrophenyl-1-thio-β-D-galactopyranoside is an enzyme substrate that is often used in the detection of lac- mutations.

2-Nitrophenyl-N-acetyl- β-D- glucosaminide is a chromogenic β-glucosaminidase substrate yielding a yellow solution upon cleavage.