1,2-O-Isopropylidene-a-D-glucofuranurono-6,3-lactone is a compound with hepatocyte growth factor activity that is used in the diagnosis of liver diseases. It can also be used as a reagent for the detection of lactones and as an industrial chemical. 1,2-O-Isopropylidene-a-D-glucofuranurono-6,3-lactone has been shown to activate the hepatocyte growth factor receptor (HGFR) and induce cell proliferation in human hepatocytes. This compound is not toxic to cells at concentrations up to 100 mM.