Used in lipid research to study membrane dynamics and lipid-protein interactions due to its deuterated (d31) palmitoyl chain, which allows for detection by mass spectrometry and NMR. Commonly employed in model membrane systems such as liposomes and supported lipid bilayers to trace metabolic pathways and investigate lipid raft formation. Its deuterated label enables precise tracking in complex biological environments without altering the chemical behavior of the lipid. Also used in quantitative lipidomics for accurate measurement of sphingolipid metabolism in cells.