Ytterbium(III) chloride hydrate is used as a catalyst in organic chemical synthesis. It is also used to track digestion in animals. The catalytic nature of this compound also has an application in DNA microarrays.

This Thermo Scientific Chemicals brand product was originally part of the Alfa Aesar product portfolio. Some documentation and label information may refer to the legacy brand. The original Alfa Aesar product / item code or SKU reference has not changed as a part of the brand transition to Thermo Scientific Chemicals.