Used in the synthesis of complex lipids and glycolipids, particularly in the study of bacterial cell walls such as in lipopolysaccharide (LPS) components. Plays a role in understanding immune responses triggered by bacterial infections due to its presence in lipid A structures. Also utilized in biochemical research to investigate fatty acid metabolism and enzyme specificity in elongation and hydroxylation pathways. Its derivatives may serve as biomarkers in metabolic profiling and disease diagnosis.