Scandium(III) triflate is widely used as a Lewis acid catalyst in organic synthesis. It is particularly effective in promoting carbon-carbon and carbon-heteroatom bond-forming reactions. One of its key applications is in Friedel-Crafts acylations and alkylations, where it offers high catalytic activity with minimal environmental impact compared to traditional metal halide catalysts. It is also employed in Diels-Alder reactions, aldol condensations, and Mukaiyama reactions, often providing high yields and selectivity.

A major advantage of scandium(III) triflate is its stability and reusability in aqueous and protic conditions, which is uncommon for many Lewis acids. This allows reactions to be run in water or mixed solvent systems, supporting greener chemistry practices. It is also used in peptide synthesis and in the activation of carbonyl compounds for nucleophilic addition. Due to its low toxicity and strong catalytic performance, it is a preferred choice in both academic research and industrial processes involving fine chemical and pharmaceutical synthesis.