Used primarily in the study of trans fats and their health effects, this compound serves as a model for understanding the impact of unsaturated fatty acid geometry on biological systems. It is involved in research related to cardiovascular diseases, insulin resistance, and inflammation due to its presence in partially hydrogenated oils. Additionally, it is used in lipid metabolism studies and to examine membrane fluidity changes in cells. Its isomeric properties make it valuable in analytical chemistry for comparing cis and trans fatty acid behaviors in food science and biochemistry.