It is a malodorous, colorless liquid that is highly soluble in organic solvents.

The compound has found applications in biodegradable polymers.

Oxidation gives the cyclic disulfide 1,2-dithiane:[3] It forms self-assembled monolayers on gold.

[4] It is also used in polyadditions along with 1,4-butanediol to form sulfur-containing polyester and polyurethanes containing diisocyanate.

[5][6][7] Several of these polymers are considered biodegradable and many of their components are sourced from non-petroleum oils.