Cationic silica sols can be used as catalysts or catalyst carriers for catalytic reactions due to their excellent chemical stability and catalytic activity. For example, in the field of organic synthesis, cationic silica sols can function as acid or base catalysts for reactions such as esterification, acylation, and condensation. Additionally, cationic silica sols can serve as carriers for metal catalysts, enhancing the activity and selectivity of catalytic reactions by immobilizing metal nanoparticles.