Used primarily as a model compound in environmental chemistry studies to understand the behavior and degradation of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in soil and water systems. Serves as a reference standard in analytical testing for detecting PCB contamination in industrial waste and biological samples. Also employed in research on microbial degradation pathways due to its persistent nature and structural similarity to other chlorinated pollutants. Its stability makes it useful in studying bioaccumulation and toxicity in aquatic organisms.