Used in biochemical research to study fatty acid metabolism, particularly in reactions involving acyl-CoA intermediates. Plays a role in lipid biosynthesis and degradation pathways, including beta-oxidation and sphingolipid production. Commonly utilized in enzyme assays with acyl-CoA binding proteins, dehydrogenases, and transferases. Also employed in metabolic studies to trace lipid utilization in cells and to modulate signaling pathways linked to energy homeostasis and insulin sensitivity.