Used primarily in research and development as a reference standard in gas chromatography and mass spectrometry due to its well-defined hydrocarbon structure. It serves as a model compound in studies of branched alkanes, particularly in analyzing fuel properties and hydrocarbon behavior in environmental samples. Also found in trace amounts in some petroleum-derived products, where it contributes to the overall hydrocarbon profile used in geochemical analysis and oil-source correlation. Its stability and low reactivity make it suitable for use in simulating long-chain hydrocarbon degradation processes.