Used in the synthesis of pharmaceutical intermediates, particularly in the development of protease inhibitors such as DPP-4 inhibitors for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Its chiral center and fluorinated aromatic moiety make it valuable in optimizing drug potency and metabolic stability. Commonly employed in structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies to enhance binding affinity and selectivity in drug candidates. Also utilized in asymmetric synthesis to introduce fluorinated side chains in bioactive molecules.