Methylcyclohexane appears as a clear colorless liquid with a petroleum-like odor. Flash point 25 °F. Less dense than water and insoluble in water. Vapors heavier than air. It has a role as an aprotic solvent, a plant metabolite and a human metabolite. 

1. Used in pharmaceuticals and organic synthesis.

2. Dimethyl malonate is an important raw material for the production of piperidic acid. Abroad, dimethyl malonate is mainly used as a raw material for the production of piperidic acid via the non-ethoxymethylene process, where it reacts with alkyl orthoformates and urea to produce piperidic acid. At present, most of the dimethyl malonate produced by relevant enterprises in China is used for the production of piperidic acid, except for export.

3. Used as a reference standard in gas chromatography and for organic synthesis.