Used primarily as a hydrophobic model compound in environmental studies to simulate the behavior of non-polar pollutants in soil and water systems. Its long alkyl chain makes it useful in research involving organic contaminant transport, sorption, and biodegradation. Also employed in the formulation of surfactants and surface modifiers due to its ability to anchor into lipid membranes or hydrophobic domains. Common in laboratory settings for calibrating analytical instruments that measure hydrophobic interactions or partitioning in chromatographic systems.