Used as a catalyst in hydrogenation and dehydrogenation reactions, especially in pharmaceutical and fine chemical synthesis. Widely applied in automotive catalytic converters to reduce harmful emissions. Employed in electronics for making multilayer ceramic capacitors and conductive materials. Key component in palladium-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions like Suzuki and Heck reactions, essential in organic synthesis. Also used in dentistry, jewelry, and hydrogen purification systems due to its ability to absorb hydrogen gas.