2-Ethyl-1-hexanol is used as a flavor, fragrance and plasticizer. It is used to prepare diesters bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate. It reacts with nitric acid and used as an octane booster. Its ester, 2-ethylhexyl ester is a component of sunscreen octocrylene. Further, it is used as a low volatility solvent for resins, animal fats, waxes, vegetable oils and petroleum derivatives. In addition to this, it is used in plasticizer, dioctyl phthalate, which is used in the production of polyvinyl chloride products.