Used as a standard in gas chromatography due to its well-defined boiling point and stability. It is the reference compound for a cetane number of 100 in diesel fuels, commonly employed in research to study diesel fuel combustion and emissions, as it mimics the behavior of long-chain hydrocarbons found in diesel. Serves as a non-polar solvent in organic synthesis and extraction processes. Found in some cosmetic and personal care products as an emollient or viscosity controller. Also used in environmental studies to simulate oil spills and evaluate biodegradation of alkanes in soil and water systems.