16-bromohexadecanoic acid is primarily used in the synthesis of surfactants and detergents due to its amphiphilic nature, which allows it to interact with both water and oil. It serves as a precursor in the production of specialty chemicals, including emulsifiers and dispersants, which are essential in industries like cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and agrochemicals. Additionally, it is employed in research as a building block for creating lipid-based drug delivery systems, enhancing the solubility and bioavailability of hydrophobic drugs. Its bromine functional group also makes it a valuable intermediate in organic synthesis, particularly for introducing long alkyl chains into molecules.