Colorless oily liquid. Can be miscible with ethanol, ether, and chloroform, but insoluble in water.

Used as an additive for oil-based fracturing fluids. It is also used in the production of plasticizers, extractants, stabilizers, as an intermediate for solvents and fragrances. Octanol itself is also used as a spice, blending rose, lily and other floral essence, and as a soap spice.