Colorless and transparent liquid. There is an aromatic ketone odor. Can be miscible with ethanol, ether, acetone, benzene, etc., and soluble in water (1-91%). Its vapor forms an explosive mixture with air, which can ignite and explode when exposed to open flames or high heat energy. Can react strongly with oxidants. If exposed to high heat, the pressure inside the container increases, posing a risk of cracking and explosion. Dissolve certain plastics, resins, and rubber.

It is an effective separating agent for some inorganic salts, which can separate plutonium from uranium, niobium from tantalum, and zirconium from hafnium. It can also be used as an anticoagulant and diluent for ethylene based resins. It is an excellent medium boiling point solvent. Used as a mineral processing agent, solvent for oil dewaxing, color forming agent for color films, and also as a solvent for tetracycline, pyrethroids, DDT, etc. Also used in the organic synthesis industry.