Used primarily in research settings as a metabolic inhibitor, particularly targeting fatty acid biosynthesis. It interferes with the activity of fatty acid synthase, making it a tool compound for studying lipid metabolism in cells. Its structure mimics natural fatty acids, allowing it to integrate into metabolic pathways and disrupt normal elongation processes. This property is exploited in biochemical assays to investigate the role of fatty acids in cell growth, energy storage, and signaling. Due to its specific action, it has also been explored in studies related to obesity, cancer metabolism, and antimicrobial agents where altered lipid synthesis plays a key role.