Used in research as a methyl ester derivative of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), this compound serves as a standard in gas chromatography for analyzing polyunsaturated fatty acid profiles in biological samples. It is also employed in the synthesis of labeled lipids for metabolic studies. Due to its defined cis-configuration, it supports investigations into lipid peroxidation and membrane fluidity. Additionally, it acts as an intermediate in the preparation of bioactive lipid mediators for pharmaceutical research.