Used primarily in pharmaceutical research, this compound serves as a key intermediate in the synthesis of various bioactive molecules. It is particularly valuable in the development of drugs targeting neurological disorders, due to its structural similarity to certain neurotransmitters. Additionally, it finds application in the production of chiral compounds, where its trifluoromethyl group enhances stability and bioavailability. In medicinal chemistry, it aids in the creation of compounds with potential antidepressant and anxiolytic properties. Its use in organic synthesis also extends to the preparation of fluorinated analogs, which are crucial for studying metabolic pathways and drug interactions.