Used in research as a deuterated analog for metabolic studies, this compound serves as a stable isotope-labeled internal standard in mass spectrometry. Its primary application lies in tracing biochemical pathways and analyzing lipid metabolism due to the presence of deuterium atoms, which allow for clear distinction from non-labeled species. It is also employed in the synthesis of deuterated surfactants and emollients for pharmaceutical and cosmetic formulations, where enhanced stability and reduced metabolism are desired. Additionally, it supports studies in environmental chemistry by enabling precise tracking of alcohol degradation in complex systems.