Used in research as a model compound for studying ether lipid metabolism, particularly plasmalogen biosynthesis and degradation pathways. Plays a role in understanding membrane lipid dynamics due to its structural similarity to naturally occurring glycerophospholipids found in cell membranes. Investigated for its potential involvement in cellular signaling and oxidative stress responses. Also employed in the development and validation of analytical methods for lipidomics, especially in mass spectrometry-based detection of ether-linked phospholipids.