A flammable liquid that is colorless, transparent, and has a special odor. Dissolved in about 720 times water and miscible with most organic solvents. There is a risk of combustion when exposed to high heat, open flames, or contact with oxidants. If exposed to high heat, the pressure inside the container increases, posing a risk of cracking and explosion. Can form explosive mixtures with air. Can accumulate static electricity and ignite its vapor.

Used as a defoamer for drilling fluids. It is also used to prepare plasticizers such as dioctyl phthalate and dioctyl azelaic acid.