Hydrophobicity (as determined by logP) can help explain or predict the behavior of a compound and is useful in many industries:
Pharmaceuticals—LogP helps medicinal chemists assess drug likeness. In pharmacokinetics it can help determine the ADME profile—the ability of a drug to be absorbed, successfully reach the intended target, be metabolized and excreted; and in pharmacodynamics to understand target receptor binding.
Agrochemicals—Kow values are used to help develop herbicides and insecticides. Partitioning values help determine whether a compound will reach its intended action site and the likelihood of environmental pollution.
Environmental—Partition coefficients are used to model the migration of dissolved hydrophobic organics in soil and groundwater to help assess waterway pollution, and toxicity to animals and aquatic life.
Consumer Products—An understanding of partitioning is used in the formulation of cosmetics, dyes, household cleaners, and many other products.