Used primarily in the semiconductor industry for etching silicon wafers due to its ability to dissolve glass and silicon compounds. Commonly 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. Utilized in the manufacture of fluorocarbons and refrigerants. Also used in laboratories for digesting high-silica mineral samples for chemical analysis. Found in household rust removers and concrete cleaners for its effectiveness in dissolving mineral deposits. Requires extreme caution due to high toxicity and deep tissue penetration, even in diluted forms.