Widely used as a Lewis acid catalyst in organic synthesis, particularly effective in promoting carbon-carbon and carbon-heteroatom bond-forming reactions. It is especially useful in Friedel-Crafts acylations, aldol condensations, and glycosylation reactions due to its strong acidity and stability in aqueous and protic environments. Its water tolerance makes it suitable for reactions run in mixed or aqueous solvents, offering advantages over traditional moisture-sensitive catalysts. Additionally, it has been employed in industrial processes where recyclability and low corrosion are important, contributing to greener chemical processes.