Used as a catalyst in organic synthesis, particularly in Friedel-Crafts reactions and other Lewis acid-mediated transformations. It facilitates the formation of carbon-carbon bonds in alkylation and acylation processes. Also employed in the semiconductor industry for the production of gallium-containing materials like gallium arsenide through metalorganic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD). Its high reactivity makes it suitable for generating other gallium-based compounds used in electronics and optoelectronics.