Used in research to study sphingolipid metabolism and its role in cellular processes such as apoptosis, cell signaling, and membrane structure. It serves as a stable analog for natural sphingoid bases, allowing scientists to investigate the function of sphingolipids without rapid metabolic degradation. Commonly applied in lipidomics studies to identify and quantify sphingolipid pathways in biological systems. Also utilized in the development of assays for enzyme activity related to sphingolipid biosynthesis and degradation, particularly in the context of metabolic and neurodegenerative diseases.