It is most suited for the conversion of cellulose into cellulose acetate and in the manufacture of aspirin. It acts as a wood preservative and solvent in examination of wood fat, fatty and volatile oils and detection of rosins. In many organic reactions it acts as a dehydrating agent. Also used in the production of isoamyl alcohol and 2-methyl furan.

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.