Widely used as a Lewis acid catalyst in organic synthesis, enabling a variety of carbon-carbon and carbon-heteroatom bond-forming reactions. It is particularly effective in promoting Friedel-Crafts alkylations and acylations, glycosidation reactions, and Diels-Alder cyclizations. Due to its water tolerance and stability, it can be employed in aqueous or protic environments where traditional Lewis acids fail. It is also reusable in some cases, making it advantageous for green chemistry applications. Its low toxicity compared to other metal triflates enhances its utility in pharmaceutical and fine chemical manufacturing.