Scandium(III) triflate is widely used as a Lewis acid catalyst in organic synthesis. It is particularly effective in promoting carbon-carbon bond-forming reactions such as aldol, Diels-Alder, and Michael additions. One of its key advantages is that it is water-tolerant, allowing reactions to proceed efficiently in aqueous or moist environments where traditional Lewis acids fail. This property makes it valuable in green chemistry applications.

It is also employed in Friedel-Crafts acylations and alkylations, offering high selectivity and yield with minimal side products. Due to its stability and reusability, scandium(III) triflate is favored in industrial processes where catalyst recovery and reduced waste are important. Additionally, it plays a role in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals and fine chemicals, enabling milder reaction conditions and reducing the need for hazardous reagents.