Used primarily as an intermediate in the synthesis of fluorinated surfactants and surface treatment agents. Its unique structure provides excellent oil and water repellency, making it valuable in coatings for textiles, paper, and leather. Also employed in fire-fighting foams due to its ability to stabilize aqueous films on hydrocarbon fuels. Additionally, it finds use in semiconductor manufacturing for lithography processes, where it helps improve coating uniformity and performance. Due to environmental persistence concerns, its use is increasingly regulated and being replaced in some applications.