Used primarily in research settings as a reactive aldehyde derived from lipid peroxidation, this compound serves as a model substance for studying oxidative stress in biological systems. It helps investigate the effects of polyunsaturated aldehydes on cell signaling, inflammation, and apoptosis. Due to its conjugated aldehyde structure, it is also employed in biochemical assays to assess protein modification, particularly through Michael adduct formation with cysteine, histidine, and lysine residues. Its presence is linked to cellular damage pathways, making it useful in aging, neurodegenerative disease, and cancer studies. Additionally, it may act as a precursor in the synthesis of specialized metabolites or signaling molecules in experimental physiology.