Used primarily in the semiconductor industry for etching silicon wafers due to its ability to dissolve glass and silicon compounds. Widely applied in petroleum refining to catalyze alkylation processes for high-octane fuel production. Employed in metal cleaning and pickling to remove oxides and scale from stainless steel and other alloys. Common in glass frosting and etching for decorative purposes in mirrors, light bulbs, and laboratory glassware. Utilized in the synthesis of various fluorine-containing compounds, including refrigerants and pharmaceuticals. Also used in analytical chemistry for sample digestion, especially in geological and environmental testing where silica matrix decomposition is required. Requires extreme handling precautions due to high toxicity and deep tissue penetration.