1-Octadecanethiol is widely used in the field of nanotechnology and surface chemistry for the formation of self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) on gold and other metal surfaces. These SAMs are crucial in creating highly ordered and stable surfaces, which are employed in biosensors, electronic devices, and corrosion inhibition.

In the electronics industry, it serves as a surface modifier to improve the performance and stability of organic field-effect transistors (OFETs) and other semiconductor devices. Additionally, it is utilized in the development of hydrophobic coatings, which are applied to textiles, glass, and metals to impart water-repellent properties.

In biomedical research, 1-octadecanethiol is used to functionalize nanoparticles for targeted drug delivery systems and diagnostic imaging. Its ability to form stable bonds with metal surfaces also makes it valuable in the fabrication of microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) and lab-on-a-chip devices.

Furthermore, it plays a role in the synthesis of gold nanoparticles, where it acts as a stabilizing agent to control particle size and prevent aggregation. This is particularly important in applications such as catalysis, photonics, and plasmonics.

Overall, 1-octadecanethiol is a versatile compound with significant applications in advanced materials, electronics, and biomedical technologies.