Used primarily as solvents in various industrial applications, including paints, coatings, and cleaning products, due to their ability to dissolve a wide range of substances. They are also employed in the production of plasticizers, which enhance the flexibility of plastics. In the personal care industry, they serve as emollients and viscosity controllers in lotions and creams. Additionally, they are utilized as intermediates in the synthesis of surfactants and lubricants, contributing to the formulation of detergents and industrial lubricants. Their effectiveness in reducing surface tension makes them valuable in agricultural adjuvants, improving the spread and absorption of pesticides.