Used in biochemical research as a substrate for acyl-CoA metabolizing enzymes, particularly in studies involving fatty acid oxidation and lipid biosynthesis. Plays a role in enzyme assays to measure the activity of acyl-CoA dehydrogenases, thioesterases, and other enzymes in metabolic pathways. Also utilized in the investigation of mitochondrial function and energy metabolism due to its involvement in intermediate steps of beta-oxidation. Its labeled forms can trace metabolic flux in cellular systems.