(±)-2-Methyl-2,4-pentanediol is used to control the flow properties of industrial products such as paints, coatings, cleansers, solvents, and hydraulic fluids. It acts as a thickening agent in cosmetic products. It serves as a coupling agent and an additive to hydraulic fluids, inks and cement. It is also employed as a blood volume expander. Further, it is used as a solvent for cleaning and colorant products. In addition to this, it is used in laboratory studies as a precipitant and cryoprotectant in protein crystallography.
