Used primarily as an intermediate in organic synthesis, this compound serves in the preparation of fluorinated polymers and specialty surfactants. The presence of both fluorine and hydroxyl groups allows for unique reactivity and polarity, making it valuable in developing surface modifiers with enhanced hydrophobic or oleophobic properties. It is also employed in the design of pharmaceutical intermediates where fluorine substitution improves metabolic stability. Its bifunctional nature enables cross-linking or chain extension in polymer chemistry, particularly in polyurethanes and polyesters where controlled hydrophobicity is required.