Used as a powerful Lewis acid catalyst in organic synthesis, particularly in promoting Friedel-Crafts acylations, glycosidation reactions, and Diels-Alder cyclizations. Highly effective in catalyzing carbon-carbon and carbon-heteroatom bond formations under mild conditions. Exhibits excellent stability and reusability in both aqueous and non-aqueous media, making it suitable for industrial-scale processes. Also employed in the activation of carbonyl compounds and in the synthesis of fine chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and agrochemicals due to its high selectivity and low moisture sensitivity compared to other metal triflates.