It is used as a catalyst in organic synthesis, cathode ray tube coating, cloud seeding, and as temperature indicator with HgI₂. It catalyzes the conversion of aryl, heteroaryl, and vinyl bromides into the corresponding iodides, which are employed in coupling reactions such as Suzuki, Stille, Sonogashira, Heck and Ullmann 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.