2-Methyldecane is primarily used as a reference compound in analytical chemistry for gas chromatography and mass spectrometry to identify and quantify similar hydrocarbons in complex mixtures. It serves as a standard in the calibration of instruments due to its well-defined properties. Additionally, it is utilized in research and development for studying the behavior of branched alkanes in various chemical processes. In industrial applications, it can be found as a component in lubricants and fuels, where it contributes to improving performance characteristics such as viscosity and combustion efficiency. Its role in synthetic chemistry includes being a building block for more complex organic molecules.