Used as a catalyst in organic synthesis, particularly in esterification and acetylation reactions due to its Lewis acidity. Employed in the preparation of ytterbium-containing materials for luminescent devices and optical coatings. Serves as a precursor in sol-gel processes for fabricating ceramic oxides. Applied in research for developing coordination polymers and metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) with potential use in gas storage or sensing. Also utilized in analytical chemistry as a reagent for selective precipitation of sulfides.