Used primarily as a solvent and reagent in organic synthesis, particularly in peptide synthesis where it aids in deprotection and cleavage steps. It is also employed in nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy as a deuterated solvent, enhancing the resolution of spectra. Additionally, it serves as a catalyst in various chemical reactions, including esterifications and acylations, due to its strong acidic properties. In the pharmaceutical industry, it is utilized in the purification and analysis of compounds, ensuring high purity and precise characterization. Its deuterated form is particularly valuable in studies requiring isotopic labeling for tracking and mechanistic investigations.