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, detergents, emulsifiers, and wetting agents due to their effectiveness in hard water and across a range of temperatures. Also found in textile processing, leather treatment, pulp and paper manufacturing, and agrochemical formulations. Its use is declining in some regions due to environmental concerns related to persistence and endocrine-disrupting properties.