Octanoyl-DL-carnitine chloride is primarily used in biochemical research to study lipid metabolism and energy production processes. It serves as a substrate in enzymatic assays to investigate the function of carnitine acyltransferases, which play a crucial role in the transport of fatty acids into mitochondria for beta-oxidation. This compound is also employed in metabolic studies to understand disorders related to fatty acid metabolism, such as carnitine deficiency syndromes. Additionally, it is utilized in cell culture experiments to explore the effects of altered fatty acid metabolism on cellular function and signaling pathways. Its application extends to the development of therapeutic strategies targeting metabolic diseases.