Used as an intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the development of fluorinated active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) where the aldehyde group allows for further functionalization via reactions such as reductive amination or condensation. Its carboxylic acid moiety enables coupling reactions, making it valuable in building complex molecules for drug discovery. Also employed in the preparation of fluorescent probes and dyes due to its ability to participate in derivatization reactions that enhance photophysical properties. Commonly utilized in research settings for constructing novel heterocyclic compounds with potential biological activity.