4-(2-Fluorophenyl)butanoic acid is primarily utilized in the field of medicinal chemistry as a key intermediate in the synthesis of various pharmaceutical compounds. Its structure, featuring a fluorophenyl group, makes it valuable for developing drugs with enhanced biological activity and metabolic stability. It is often employed in the creation of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and other therapeutic agents targeting inflammation and pain management. Additionally, this compound is explored in the development of central nervous system (CNS) drugs due to its potential to cross the blood-brain barrier. Its applications also extend to organic synthesis, where it serves as a building block for more complex molecules in research and industrial settings.