This compound is primarily utilized in the pharmaceutical and chemical research sectors as a chiral building block for the synthesis of more complex molecules. Its trifluoromethyl group and naphthalene moiety make it valuable in the development of bioactive compounds, particularly in the creation of potential drug candidates. It is often employed in asymmetric synthesis to introduce chirality, which is crucial for the activity of many therapeutic agents. Additionally, its unique structure can be leveraged in the study of enzyme interactions and receptor binding, aiding in the design of targeted therapies.