Ethyl formate is used as a solvent for nitrocellulose, cellulose acetate, etc., as well as fungicides, larvicides and fumigants for food, cigarettes, cereals, dried fruits, etc. As a flavor, ethyl formate can be used to blend the aromas of peach, banana, apple, apricot, pineapple, berries, etc., and can also be used as a spice for butter, brandy, dessert wine, and whisky. Ethyl formate is also an intermediate in organic synthesis. For example, in the pharmaceutical industry, it is used for the production of antitumor drugs Fuxil and vitamin B1; ethyl formate and acetone are condensed in sodium methoxide-xylene solution to obtain sodium acetyl vinyl alcoholate, which is condensed with acetyl glycine ester and then combined with thiocyanate Potassium cyclization can obtain 2-mercaptoimidazole-4-ethyl carboxylate. Ethyl formate is used in the production of drugs such as houttuyniacin, todonin, anadrol, pyrantel, pyridoxine, resorcinol, and fully synthetic anisodamine.

Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated warehouse. Keep away from fire and heat sources. The storage temperature should not exceed 30℃. Keep container tightly closed. It should be stored separately from oxidants and alkalis, and should not be mixed. Use explosion-proof lighting and ventilation facilities. Prohibit the use of mechanical equipment and tools that are prone to sparks. Storage areas should be equipped with emergency release equipment and suitable containment materials.