Used primarily as a catalyst in organic synthesis, especially for hydrogenation reactions. It facilitates the addition of hydrogen to unsaturated compounds such as alkenes, alkynes, nitriles, and carbonyls, often under mild conditions. Commonly employed in the reduction of aromatic rings and heteroaromatic compounds. Also used in the preparation of fine chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and in some cases for deprotection steps in complex molecule synthesis. Its catalytic activity can be enhanced when reduced in situ to platinum metal, forming what is known as Adams' catalyst.