Used primarily in electroplating baths to deposit cadmium metal coatings, which provide excellent corrosion resistance on steel and other metals. Common in aerospace and automotive industries for protective coatings.

Also employed in the preparation of pigments, in the production of thin-film solar cells such as CdTe (cadmium telluride) photovoltaic cells, and in some types of batteries, particularly older nickel-cadmium (Ni-Cd) rechargeable batteries where it serves as a precursor for the cadmium electrode.

Serves as a precursor in the synthesis of cadmium-based semiconductors and in analytical chemistry as a reagent for qualitative inorganic analysis. It may also be used in laboratory research for preparing other cadmium compounds or as a catalyst in certain organic syntheses.

Its use is limited due to the high toxicity of cadmium, requiring strict environmental and safety controls, with trends toward reduced usage for health and environmental safety.