Used primarily as a catalyst in organic synthesis, especially in reactions involving carbon-carbon and carbon-heteroatom bond formation. It shows high activity in oxidation reactions and promotes transformations such as alcohol oxidation and alkene functionalization. Also employed in research for developing gold-based pharmaceuticals due to its reactivity and ability to coordinate with biomolecules. Additionally, it serves as a precursor in the preparation of other gold complexes used in materials science and nanotechnology.