Widely used as a powerful and reusable Lewis acid catalyst in organic synthesis. Particularly effective in promoting Friedel-Crafts alkylation and acylation reactions, enabling efficient carbon-carbon bond formation under mild conditions. Also employed in glycosylation reactions for the synthesis of carbohydrate-based molecules, offering high stereoselectivity. Its stability in the presence of water enhances its utility in reactions where moisture sensitivity is a concern. Commonly applied in the preparation of fine chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and natural products due to its high catalytic activity and ease of recovery.