Used primarily as an intermediate in the production of nonylphenol ethoxylates, which are nonionic surfactants. These surfactants are widely applied in industrial and household cleaning products, emulsifiers in agrochemical formulations, textile processing aids, and in the manufacture of paints and coatings. Also found in some personal care products, though use is declining due to environmental concerns. Its derivatives help reduce surface tension, improving wetting, dispersing, and detergency properties in various formulations.