Used as an intermediate in organic synthesis, particularly in the preparation of macrocyclic compounds and crown ether analogs. Its long alkyl chain with terminal bromine and hydroxyl groups allows for selective functionalization, making it valuable in the development of surfactants, specialty polymers, and surface modifiers. Commonly employed in the synthesis of self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) on gold or other surfaces, where the bromine end can be further coupled in click chemistry or nucleophilic substitution reactions. Also utilized in the pharmaceutical field to link active ingredients to delivery systems via biodegradable linkers.