1,2-Dipalmitoyl-rac-glycero-3-phosphocholine is a phospholipid with two palmitic acids and is the racemic mixture of Dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (also known as Colfosceril palmitate or DPPC). The phosphocholine head is sensitive to electric charges at the membrane surface when bound to pure phospholipids. When added to a solution containing charged ions, this sensitivity can shift the nitrogen cation away from a lack of positive charge or towards a positive charge in solution. In a research environment, it is useful in studying changes of biological membranes and liposomes. Because of its ability to form simple phospholipid bilayers, it is useful in computer modeling of bilayers in dynamic situations. Modeling can also be extended to interactions between DPPC and other biologically active molecules (like pharmaceuticals) as an analog for the same naturally occurring process. It is also useful in the formation of reconstituted HDL particles.