Used primarily as an intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceutical compounds, particularly in the development of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and other central nervous system agents. Its structure allows for specific fluorination and nitro functionalization, which are critical in enhancing drug potency, metabolic stability, and receptor binding affinity. Commonly employed in medicinal chemistry for structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies due to the electron-withdrawing properties of the nitro and fluoro groups, facilitating optimization of biologically active molecules. Also utilized in the preparation of fluorinated analogs in drug discovery programs targeting neurological disorders.