Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the development of central nervous system (CNS) agents and serotonin receptor modulators. Its structure allows for selective derivatization, making it valuable in creating bioactive molecules. Commonly employed in medicinal chemistry for constructing fluorinated heterocyclic compounds, which often exhibit enhanced metabolic stability and improved binding affinity. Also utilized in research settings for the preparation of fluorescent probes and functional materials due to the electron-withdrawing nature of the fluorine atom and the reactivity of the aldehyde group.