Sodium tetrachloropalladate(II) is widely used as a precursor in the synthesis of palladium-based catalysts. These catalysts are essential in various organic reactions, including cross-coupling reactions like Suzuki, Heck, and Sonogashira reactions, which are pivotal in pharmaceutical and fine chemical manufacturing. It is also employed in the preparation of palladium nanoparticles, which have applications in hydrogen storage, sensing, and catalytic converters for automotive emissions. Additionally, it serves as a key reagent in electroplating processes to deposit palladium coatings on surfaces, enhancing their durability and resistance to corrosion. In analytical chemistry, it is utilized for the detection and quantification of specific compounds through complexation reactions.