Platinum tetrachloride (PtCl₄) is an inorganic compound composed of platinum and chlorine. It is an important platinum compound with a wide range of applications in chemistry, materials science, and catalysis.

The physical properties of platinum tetrachloride are yellow to brown crystals with a high melting point of about 300 °C. It is soluble in water and some organic solvents such as ethanol and acetone, but poorly soluble in hydrocarbon solvents.

1. Catalyst: Platinum tetrachloride is a highly efficient catalyst that is used in a variety of chemical reactions, including oxidation reactions, hydrogenation reactions, polymerization reactions, etc. In petrochemical and fine chemicals, it is commonly used in catalytic reforming, hydrodesulfurization, and other hydrogenation processes.

2. Electronic materials: Platinum tetrachloride can be used in the preparation of electronic materials and semiconductor materials, such as in the manufacture of thin-film transistors and integrated circuits.

3. Fuel cells: In fuel cell technology, platinum tetrachloride can be used as a catalyst to promote oxygen reduction reactions and improve the efficiency and stability of batteries.

4. Chemical synthesis: As a precursor, platinum tetrachloride can be used to synthesize other platinum compounds, such as platinum nanoparticles, platinum complexes, etc., which have a wide range of applications in catalysis, electrochemistry and materials science.

5. Pharmaceutical field: While platinum tetrachloride is not a drug on its own, platinum-based drugs (such as cisplatin and carboplatin) are platinum-based compounds that are used in cancer chemotherapy. Platinum tetrachloride can be involved in the research and development of the synthesis of new antineoplastic drugs.

6. Research and teaching: Platinum tetrachloride is used as a model compound in chemical research to help scientists understand the chemical properties and reaction mechanisms of metal halides. In chemistry education, it can also be used as part of a teaching experiment.

7. Analytical Chemistry: Platinum tetrachloride can be used as a reference material in analytical chemistry to calibrate instruments and validate analytical methods.