Tetradecylthioacetic acid is primarily used in research settings to study its effects on lipid metabolism and inflammation. It has been investigated for its potential to modulate fatty acid oxidation, making it a candidate for studying metabolic disorders such as obesity and diabetes. Additionally, its anti-inflammatory properties are explored in the context of chronic inflammatory diseases. The compound is also utilized in biochemical studies to understand its role in cellular signaling pathways and its impact on gene expression related to lipid homeostasis.