Used as a versatile Lewis acid catalyst in organic synthesis, particularly in alkylation, acylation, polymerization, Diels-Alder, and Friedel-Crafts reactions. Commonly employed in the preparation of pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, fine chemicals, and in carbohydrate synthesis for glycoside bond formation due to its stability and solubility in organic solvents. Facilitates ring-opening reactions of epoxides to yield aldehydes or ketones and promotes efficient C-C bond formation. Its complexation with tetrahydrofuran enhances handling, stability, and reactivity control compared to gaseous boron trifluoride, making it popular in laboratory and industrial organic chemistry.