It is used in colloidal gold solutions, in photography and as a print toning agent(gold toning), starting solution to form other gold compounds and a precursor for preparation of ultra pure gold metal. It is used in electroplating and electroless plating as an anode in an electric cell. Gold(III) chloride acts as a gold catalyst and cell body stains for bright field and dark field microscopy.

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.