Colorless transparent liquid with a special odor. Can be miscible with ethanol and ether, and can dissolve in about 20 parts of water. Flammable, its vapor can form an explosive mixture with air, which can cause combustion and explosion when exposed to open flames or high heat energy. Heat decomposition releases toxic gases. Can react strongly with oxidants.

Reagents for determining calcium, strontium, barium, sodium, potassium, lithium, silver, chloride, and hypophosphite. Reference substances for chromatographic analysis. It is also a commonly used solvent and extractant. Used for extracting lithium chloride from mixtures of lithium chloride with sodium chloride or potassium chloride. Used for manufacturing petroleum additives, antioxidants, 2,6- tert butyl p-cresol, isobutyl acetate (coating solvent), plasticizers, synthetic rubber, and synthetic musk; Fruit essential oils and synthetic drugs, etc.