Dioctyltin oxide is used as a stabilizer and as a widely applicable catalyst, especially for esterification reactions, transesterification reactions and condensation reactions. It is slightly less reactive than dibutyltin oxide, but is not subject to as many regulatory restrictions, which is why it is increasingly used. Dioctyloxotin can also be used in various chemical synthesis such as in preparation of trinuclear seven-coordinated tin complexes, having possible antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activity.