Used as a catalyst in metal carbene transfer reactions, particularly cyclopropanation of alkenes and C–H bond insertion using diazo compounds. The steric bulk from the trimethylacetate (pivalate) ligands enhances reaction selectivity, stabilizes the rhodium-carbene intermediates, and facilitates challenging transformations. It is valuable in pharmaceutical and fine chemical synthesis for constructing complex organic molecules, often serving as a robust alternative to less sterically demanding rhodium catalysts.