Ethyl orthoformate appears as a clear, colorless liquid with a pungent odor. Less dense than water. Vapors heavier than air. May irritate skin and eyes. Used to make other chemicals.

Mainly used as raw material for the preparation of antimalarial drugs such as chloroquine and piperaquine, as well as photographic chemicals and photosensitive materials. It is also used in the synthesis of cyanine dyes and merocyanine dyes.