Octyl-α-hydroxyglutarate is a cell-permeable derivative of 2-HG (α-hydroxyglutaric acid). Mutations in isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1 and IDH2) associated with certain cancers cause isocitrate to metabolize into 2-HG as opposed α-ketoglutarate, inhibiting α-ketoglutarate-dependant dioxygenases including lysine demethylases and DNA hydroxylases. This compound is suitable for IDH (isocitrate dehydrogenase) related research.