Gold(III) chloride trihydrate is widely used in various applications due to its properties as a gold source. It is commonly employed in the synthesis of gold nanoparticles, which are essential in fields like nanotechnology, medical diagnostics, and drug delivery systems. The compound serves as a precursor in catalytic reactions, particularly in organic synthesis, where it facilitates processes such as oxidation and cyclization. In materials science, it is utilized for gold plating and the preparation of gold-based thin films for electronic and optical devices. Additionally, it plays a role in analytical chemistry for the detection and quantification of certain substances. Its use in research and development spans across creating novel materials and studying chemical reactions involving gold.