Indium trichloride is widely used as a catalyst in organic synthesis, particularly in Friedel-Crafts acylations and alkylations, where it promotes carbon-carbon bond formation under mild conditions. It is effective in promoting various coupling reactions, including Diels-Alder and Michael additions, often with high selectivity and yield.

In materials science, it serves as a precursor for the deposition of indium-containing thin films used in semiconductor devices and optoelectronic components such as OLEDs and solar cells. It is also employed in the preparation of indium-based nanomaterials and conductive coatings.

In research, indium trichloride is used in the synthesis of other indium derivatives and coordination compounds, especially in the development of luminescent complexes and sensors. Its Lewis acidic nature makes it valuable in facilitating transformations in both academic and industrial chemical processes.