It is used as a catalyst in the conversion of carbohydrates into 5-hydroxymethylfurfural in ionic liquids, as a reducing agent in combination with triphenylphosphine (TPP) for the reduction of alpha-bromo carboxylic acid derivatives, and in the production of pure germanium. It also finds use as an intermediate for several optical processes. It is one of the most important dopants in silica glass for optical fibers. It is employed in the preparation of germanium dioxide which is used for wide camera lens, microscopy, IR-transparent glasses/windows/lenses, and for the core of fiber-optic lines.

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.