Used primarily as an intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, especially in the development of active ingredients for central nervous system (CNS) drugs. It serves as a building block in the preparation of certain antidepressants and antipsychotic compounds due to its ability to modify aromatic ketone structures that interact with neural receptors. Also utilized in research settings for the creation of fluorinated analogs in medicinal chemistry, enhancing metabolic stability and bioavailability in drug candidates. Its fluorinated aromatic ring makes it valuable in structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies.