Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the development of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and other bioactive molecules. Its structure allows for the formation of amide and ester derivatives, making it valuable in medicinal chemistry for modifying drug solubility, stability, and target binding. Also employed in the preparation of covalent organic frameworks (COFs) and metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) due to its rigid aromatic backbone and dual carboxylic acid functionality, which supports strong coordination with metal ions. Additionally, it serves as a building block in the design of fluorescent probes and sensors, where the trifluoromethyl group enhances lipophilicity and metabolic stability.