(2-Fluoro-4-iodophenyl)methanol is primarily used as an intermediate in organic synthesis, particularly in the development of pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals. Its structure, featuring both fluorine and iodine substituents, makes it a valuable building block for creating more complex molecules. The compound is often employed in cross-coupling reactions, such as Suzuki or Sonogashira couplings, to introduce aromatic fluorinated and iodinated moieties into target molecules. These reactions are crucial in drug discovery, where the introduction of halogens can significantly alter the biological activity, metabolic stability, and binding affinity of potential drug candidates. Additionally, the presence of the hydroxyl group allows for further functionalization, enabling the synthesis of esters, ethers, or other derivatives, which can be tailored for specific applications in medicinal chemistry or material science.