In organic synthesis, among its many applications, it is particularly useful in directing regioselective O-alkylation, acylation, and sulfonation reactions for diols and polyol. DBTO has been used in the regioselective tosylation (a specific type of sulfonation) of certain polyols to selectively tosylate primary alcohols and exocyclic alcohols over more sterically-hindered alcohols.[3]
Dibutyltin compounds, such as dibutyltin dilaurate are widely used curing catalysts for the production of silicones and polyurethanes