It is used as a catalyst, as a dehydrating and condensing agent, soldering flux, and metal etchant. It is also employed in preserving anatomical specimens, wood preservatives, deodorant, disinfecting and embalming materials. It is likewise employed as a mordant in printing and dyeing materials, and in the vulcanizing processes of fiber and rubber. It is useful as an electrolyte in dry cell batteries, in metal industry, in galvanizing iron and as an electrolyte for electroplating. It is useful in organic synthesis, for example in the Friedel-Crafts acylatoin, Fisher indole synthesis, Lucas reagent (zinc chloride with HCl), activation of allylic/benzylic halides towards reaction with olefins or with sodium cyanoborohydride catalyzed reduction of halides, organozinc reagents for use in Negishi coupling, and aldol condensation reactions.

This Thermo Scientific Chemicals brand product was originally part of the Alfa Aesar product portfolio. Some documentation and label information may refer to the legacy brand. The original Alfa Aesar product / item code or SKU reference has not changed as a part of the brand transition to Thermo Scientific Chemicals.