Used primarily as a synthetic base stock in high-performance lubricants due to its excellent thermal stability and low volatility. Its branched aliphatic structure provides good solvency and miscibility with other hydrocarbon oils, making it suitable for use in engine oils, greases, and industrial lubricants. Also employed as a reference compound in gas chromatography and mass spectrometry for analyzing complex hydrocarbon mixtures. Additionally, it serves as a model compound in studies of hydrocarbon biodegradation and environmental fate due to its stable cycloaliphatic ring and long alkyl chain.