Used in various industrial applications, primarily as a component in etching and cleaning agents. It is particularly effective in glass etching due to its ability to react with silicon dioxide, creating a frosted appearance on glass surfaces. Additionally, it serves as a flux in metalworking, helping to remove oxides from metal surfaces during soldering or welding, and as a cleaner for metals like aluminum and stainless steel. In the electronics industry, it is utilized in the production of semiconductors and integrated circuits for cleaning and etching silicon wafers. It also finds use in ceramic production to improve material properties, in the oil and gas industry for drilling and crude oil treatment, and in the manufacture of other fluoride compounds. In wood preservation treatments, it acts as a fungicide and insecticide to protect wood from decay and pests, and in textiles to enhance fiber properties. In analytical chemistry, it is employed as a buffering agent and in the preparation of certain reagents.