Used as a catalyst in organic synthesis, particularly in Friedel-Crafts alkylation and acylation reactions. It promotes carbon-carbon bond formation under mild conditions, making it valuable in pharmaceutical and fine chemical manufacturing. Also employed in the preparation of indium-containing thin films for electronic devices and optoelectronic materials. Its Lewis acidity facilitates various cyclization and condensation reactions. Commonly used in research laboratories for synthesizing indium-labeled compounds and in the development of semiconductor materials.