This chemical is primarily used in biochemical research as a non-ionic detergent. It is effective in solubilizing membrane proteins while maintaining their native structure and function, making it valuable for studies involving protein purification and characterization. It is also utilized in the preparation of lipid bilayers and micelles for structural biology applications, such as X-ray crystallography and NMR spectroscopy. Additionally, it finds use in cell biology for studying membrane dynamics and protein-lipid interactions. Its mild properties make it suitable for applications where maintaining biological activity is critical.