Used in lipid research and membrane studies as a model phospholipid to simulate biological membranes. Commonly employed in the formation of liposomes and bilayer vesicles for drug delivery systems. Serves as a substrate in enzyme assays involving phospholipases and other lipid-metabolizing enzymes. Also utilized in studies of lipid-protein interactions and membrane dynamics due to its defined acyl chain composition. Its anionic nature makes it suitable for investigating electrostatic effects in membrane surfaces.

Additionally, it is used as a standard or starting material in mass spectrometry or chromatography analyses in metabolomics research.

Furthermore, it finds application in cosmetic products to enhance skin permeability and to reinforce the natural skin barrier due to its similarity to natural skin lipids.