[2] The density of the glassy form is 1.28 kg;L (at 20 °C), its index of refraction nD20 is 1.4660,its dielectric constant is 4.5 (at 1 kHz), and its resistivity is 1.5 × 1014 Ω cm.

This way one can obtain sucrose octacaprylate (C8 chain), octacaprate (C10, m.p −24 °C) octalaurate (C12, 10 °C), octamyristate (C14, 34 °C), octapalmitate, (C16, 50.5 °C), octastearate (C18, 61 °C), octaoleate (C18 cis-9), octaelaidate (C18 trans-9, 7.4 °C), and octalinoleate (C18 cis-9,12).

[8] Sucrose octaacetate has been used to determine tasters from non-tasters in mice,[9] in clinical drug studies and sweetener evaluations,[5] and in taste physiology research.

[10] Until 1993, the compound was the active ingredient of over-the-counter preparations to discourage thumb sucking and nail biting.

It has also been used in sprays and lotions to prevent dog licking, and as an additive to deter ingestion of pesticides and other toxic products.

[5] While the crystalline character of the pure compound is an obstacle for this latter application, mixed esters where some acetate groups are replaced by propionate or isobutyrate can be used.

[11] Due to its low toxicity, sucrose octaacetate was authorized by the US Environment Protection Agency for use as an inert ingredient in pesticides,[12] as food additive,[13][14] and as a nail-biting and thumb-sucking deterrent in over-the-counter drug products.