ISO 4629-2:2016 specifies a titrimetric method for determining the hydroxyl value of resins, binders for paints and varnishes, primary alcohols, glycols and fats. Whether it can be applied for hydro carboxylic acids, phenolic hydroxyl groups, polyols such as trimethyl propane and substances containing aromatic groups have been activated for Friedel-Crafts acylation shall be decided on case-to-case basis.

Under the right conditions, the method is also applicable for determining the hydroxyl value of castor oil and its derivatives.