Used as an intermediate in the synthesis of fluorinated organic compounds, particularly in pharmaceuticals where fluorine substitution enhances metabolic stability and bioavailability. It serves in the preparation of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) that require difluoromethylene groups for optimal biological activity. Its α-keto acid structure allows participation in decarboxylative coupling reactions, making it valuable in medicinal chemistry for building complex molecules. Also utilized in the development of enzyme inhibitors due to its ability to mimic reaction intermediates in metabolic pathways.